Pressed for time: the circadian clock and hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. The “silent” rise of blood pressure that occurs over time is largely asymptomatic. However, its impact is deafening—causing and exacerbating cardiovascular disease, end-organ damage, and death. The present article addresses recent observations from human and animal studies that provide new insights into how the circadian clock regulates blood pressure, contributes to hypertension, and ultimately evolves vascular disease. Further, the molecular components of the circadian clock and their relationship with locomotor activity, metabolic control, fluid balance, and vascular resistance are discussed with an emphasis on how these novel, circadian clock-controlled mechanisms contribute to hypertension.