Open AccessNatural illumination and circadian blood pressure rhythm
Author(s) -
A. Z. Zfasman,
Д В Алпаев
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
arterialʹnaâ gipertenziâ
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.126
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 2411-8524
pISSN - 1607-419X
DOI - 10.18705/1607-419x-2011-17-4-333-336
Subject(s) - nocturnal , circadian rhythm , blood pressure , rhythm , polar night , latitude , polar , diurnal temperature variation , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , medicine , geography , geology , physics , geodesy , astronomy
Objective. To evaluate the influence of natural illumination on diurnal dynamics of blood pressure (BP). Design and methods. We studied diurnal blood pressure profile (DBPP) in people living at different latitudes. We analyzed polar day and night time periods, and the group living at 69º northern latitude was of the greatest interest. The study included 13 000 persons, and in total 150 000 BP measurements were performed. All subjects were night shift workers (with night shift starting at different hours); BP measurement was performed before the beginning of the shift. Therefore, all DBPP curves were plotted based on values during work periods. Results. Level of nocturnal blood pressure dipping (LNBPD) in the mentioned periods lowered with increasing latitude. People living beyond the Polar Circle have no differences in DBPP during light (polar day) and dark (polar night) hours, and their LNBDP approached zero. Nocturnal blood pressure dipping was present in the same cohort in control time periods of mid-spring and mid-fall, when light and dark periods are almost equal. Conclusion. Diurnal BP rhythm depends on illumination changes during a day, but not on its level or exposure time.