Nocturnal blood pressure dipping and β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity

Background Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping has been observed in patients with various cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms underlying relationships between blunted dipping and pathophysiologic end points remain unclear. This study examined relationships between β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and nocturnal BP dipping. Methods Ambulatory BP monitoring took place in each patient’s home. On a separate occasion, β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity was determined by response to isoproterenol infusion. Results Participants with less sensitive β-adrenergic receptors had less nocturnal BP dipping across BP measures (all P< .001). Conclusions These findings suggest that β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity may contribute to relationships between blunted nocturnal BP dipping and various cardiovascular end points.