Circadian Rhythm and Blood Pressure: research of the latest circadian rhythm in the treatment of hypertension

The goal of this review was to synthesize present knowledge on the effect of circadian rhythms on blood pressure (BP), circadian misalignment mechanisms that contribute to hypertension, circadian rhythm, and hypertension relationship, the latest research of circadian rhythm diet and pharmacological intervention and assess the possibility of chronotherapy in treatment. BP by modulating biological function is determined by the circadian rhythm process mainly under endogenous control, including the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clock. Hypertension has been associated with disruption of this rhythm which is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. A high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes is circadian misalignment, which is reflected mostly by nocturnal nondipping. Shift work, hormone release, dietary habits, and others that affect circadian rhythms seem implicated, according to studies. Bedtime dosing of antihypertensive medications and other forms of chronotherapy have the potential to improve BP control. Time-dependent feeding and lifestyle interventions consistent with circadian rhythms offer benefits for hypertension management, as well. Increasingly, it is recognized that circadian rhythm disruption contributes to hypertension. Because interventions that realign circadian rhythms, including chronotherapy or circadian-aligned lifestyle changes, may decrease cardiovascular risk in hypertensives, they are worthy of further study.