[Hypertension and circadian rhythm].

Abnormal circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP), such as absent of nocturnal BP fall, higher sleep BP level and exaggerate morning BP surge, assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring have been reported to be associated with target organ damage and cardiovascular events independent of BP levels in hypertensive patients. It is clear that this abnormal circadian rhythm of BP is a risk of cardiovascular outcome, while it is not clear whether this abnormal circadian rhythm of BP is a maker as targeting hypertensive treatment independent of average BP levels. Although there are some intervention studies for this abnormal circadian rhythm of BP, it is not enough for constructive evidence.