1. Reversal of the normal diurnal blood pressure pattern has been demonstrated in women with severe hypertension and renal impairment in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia).

2. Maximum arterial pressure occurred at night in these women. The phenomenon was not due to hypotensive drug therapy or posture. Patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension in pregnancy retained a normal diurnal blood pressure pattern.

3. Nocturnal hypertension in pre-eclampsia is of theoretical interest and practical importance.

Keywords:
diurnal variation, hypertension, methyldopa, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy
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© 1976 The Biochemical Society and the Medical Research Society
1976
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