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Body clock and blood pressure linked

A genetic link has been found between blood pressure control and the 24 hour 'body clock', according to researchers at The University of Oxford.

Many biological patterns follow a 24 hour pattern including;

• body temperature
• blood pressure
• blood glucose
• hormones
• sleep and awake
• feeding

Researchers now say that some diseases follow a 24 pattern also. Heart attack and stroke are more common in the early morning and psychiatric disorders also have a 24 hour pattern.

Researchers found a gene BMAL1 that is a key component of the bodys natural 24 hour body clock as well as being linked to blood pressure.

Study leader Prof Gauguier said, "The regulation of circadian rhythm is central to a wide range of biological processes and this type of genetic study should be extended to other disease areas."

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