Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
BLOOD
ABPM was performed using a validated oscillometric device (TM2430; A&D Medical, Japan) to evaluate blood pressure (BP) changes for 24 h. Blood pressure was evaluated every 20 min during the day and every 30 min during the night. Day and night sub-periods were defined according to the personal logbook. 24 h, daytime and night-time average Systolic BP (SBP), Diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate (HR), day and night SBP and DBP standard deviations (SD) were quantified to assess BP variability, SBP and DBP nocturnal falls, night/day ratios, average morning (7–11 a.m.) values and morning surge (defined as the difference between the lowest SBP or DBP value before the morning rise and the highest SBP or DBP value after awakening). The ABPM monitoring was assessed in the pre-screening visit at least 2 days before baseline PSG and between the 2nd and the 5th night of the two weeks of treatment to avoid disturbing the PSG night sleep.