Vol 10, No 1 (2006)
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Published online: 2006-01-28
Does melatonin play a role in regulation of 24-hour blood pressure rhythm?
Agnieszka Kaźmierczak, Jacek Lewandowski, Mariusz Łapiński
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2006;10(1):69-77.
Vol 10, No 1 (2006)
Kontrowersje w nadciśnieniu tętniczym
Published online: 2006-01-28
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular
risk factors. Recent data suggest that not only mean
blood pressure values but also short-term blood pressure
variability and diurnal blood pressure changes are
important. Lack of nocturnal blood pressure decline results
in accelerated development of hypertensive endorgan
damage and poor cardiovascular prognosis. There
are equivocal data regarding potential factors influencing
diurnal blood pressure profile. Among other hormonal
systems, melatonin was shown to play a role in blood
pressure regulation. Its synthesis and release correlate
with the day and night cycle. Melatonin has a regulatory
effect on many physiological processes including
regulation of cardiovascular system and blood pressure.
Reduced plasma melatonin levels were found in patients
with hypertension, coronary artery disease and acute
myocardial infarction. Studies suggest that melatonin
therapy may improve blood pressure control and reduce
plasma catecholamine levels. The effect of melatonin
on circadian blood pressure rhythm is unclear. A relationship
between diurnal blood pressure profile and
melatonin levels was found in some patients with essential
hypertension. Melatonin may influence blood pressure
control by various mechanisms, including inhibition
of sympathetic activity, improvement of endothelial
function, and direct vasodilatation.
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular
risk factors. Recent data suggest that not only mean
blood pressure values but also short-term blood pressure
variability and diurnal blood pressure changes are
important. Lack of nocturnal blood pressure decline results
in accelerated development of hypertensive endorgan
damage and poor cardiovascular prognosis. There
are equivocal data regarding potential factors influencing
diurnal blood pressure profile. Among other hormonal
systems, melatonin was shown to play a role in blood
pressure regulation. Its synthesis and release correlate
with the day and night cycle. Melatonin has a regulatory
effect on many physiological processes including
regulation of cardiovascular system and blood pressure.
Reduced plasma melatonin levels were found in patients
with hypertension, coronary artery disease and acute
myocardial infarction. Studies suggest that melatonin
therapy may improve blood pressure control and reduce
plasma catecholamine levels. The effect of melatonin
on circadian blood pressure rhythm is unclear. A relationship
between diurnal blood pressure profile and
melatonin levels was found in some patients with essential
hypertension. Melatonin may influence blood pressure
control by various mechanisms, including inhibition
of sympathetic activity, improvement of endothelial
function, and direct vasodilatation.
Keywords
hypertension; 24-hour blood pressure rhythm; melatonin; sympathetic activity
Title
Does melatonin play a role in regulation of 24-hour blood pressure rhythm?
Journal
Arterial Hypertension
Issue
Vol 10, No 1 (2006)
Article type
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Pages
69-77
Published online
2006-01-28
Page views
1617
Article views/downloads
3417
Bibliographic record
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2006;10(1):69-77.
Keywords
hypertension
24-hour blood pressure rhythm
melatonin
sympathetic activity
Authors
Agnieszka Kaźmierczak
Jacek Lewandowski
Mariusz Łapiński
About this article