Considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that the lack of the normal nocturnal fall in blood pressure (non-dipper) may represent an important prognostic factor in hypertension. This review focuses on clinical studies showing close association between a non-dipper pattern of blood pressure and cardiovascular events such as glomerular capillary hypertension, cerebrovascular events, left ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular arrhythmias. A close relationship between impairment of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure and that of natriuresis is described. The therapeutic profit from the knowledge that a given patient is a non-dipper and/or salt-sensitive is illustrated.

        Key words: Cardiovascular risk factors - Hypertension - Circadian rhythm of blood pressure - Non-dippers - Salt-sensitivity - Microalbuminuria - Diuretics