Objective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate 24 hours blood
pressure (BP) and heart rate changes as well as 24-hour circadian BP
rhythm of cardiac transplant recipients.
Methods. Twenty-five transplant recipients and twenty-five healthy
volunteers underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Parameters of
24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (24-h/daytime/nightime systolic,
diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and heart rate) were determined in all
patients.
Results. Clinic systolic/diastolic BP, mean 24-h systolic/diastolic BP,
mean daytime systolic/diastolic BP, mean nighttime systolic/diastolic
BP, and mean 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rate were significantly higher
in transplant recipients than in control group subjects. Standard
deviations of 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rates were significantly
lower in transplant recipients. Dippers were 48% of the control and
only 12% of the transplantation group.
Conclusions. Cardiac transplant recipients had increased ambulatory BP.
They also had increased 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rate and decreased
heart rate variability. Also, diminished nocturnal decrease of BP was
found in transplant recipients
