Circadian profile of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in healthy young adults

Background Hypertension is a major global threat associated with adverse cardiovascular events, especially in the Asian population. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a valuable tool in diagnosis and management of hypertension and is predictive of future cardiovascular events. We assessed the feasibility of ABPM and generated preliminary normative data specific to the Indian population. Methods The circadian profile of 24-hour blood pressure (BP) in 53 healthy subjects was studied in their natural settings. Various circadian parameters like midline estimating statistic of rhythms (MESOR), 24-hour average BP, awake hours average BP, sleep hours average BP, % dip in systolic BP, and morning surge in BP were studied. Results BP and heart rate followed a sinusoidal pattern, with almost all the subjects having significant Cosinor rhythm. ABPM was generally well-tolerated, with no major discomfort, limited restrictions on daily activities, and the values of ABPM parameters in this population matched those of other populations. Conclusion ABPM is feasible and acceptable in India and follows a sinusoidal pattern in healthy young adults, similar to other populations.