ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the influence of irbesartan taken before bedtime on morning blood pressure surge and urine microalbuminuria in elderly patients with essential hypertension. Methods Ninety-two patients with uncontrolled hypertension were recruited in this study and their 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring profiles were collected for analysis. After irbesartan taken before bedtime, its influence on general blood pressure, morning blood pressure surge and urine microalbuminuria was observed. Results Before irbesartan treatment,the average 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was(140.1 ± 12. 7)mm Hg, the morning blood pressure surge was (45.6 ± 10.8) mm Hg, urine microalbuminuria level was (58.6 ± 3.7) mg/L. After irbesartan treatment,the average 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure decreased to (129. 5 t 11.8) mm Hg (t = 3.18, P ＜ 0.05), the morning blood pressure surge decreased to(14. 2 ±4. 1)mm Hg(t =5.74,P ＜0.01) ,urine microalbuminuria level decreased to(31.7±3.1)mg/L(t =5.24,P＜0.01).Conclusions Irbesartan can effectively reduce the peak morning blood pressure,improve achievement ratio of blood pressure control, decrease urine microalbuminuria level in elderly patients essential hypertension.