Sodium Restriction Shifts Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure From Nondipper to Dipper in Essential Hypertension

Abstract

These findings show the difference in nocturnal fall in blood pressure between the non-sodium sensitive and sodium-sensitive types of essential hypertension. The diminished nocturnal fall, recognized in the sodium-sensitive type, is restored by sodium restriction, indicating that the circadian rhythm of blood pressure shifted from a nondipper to a dipper pattern. On the other hand, the nocturnal fall is not affected by sodium restriction in the non-sodium sensitive type, and the circadian rhythm remains of the dipper variety.