PRECISION-BP: Precision Chronopharamacotherapy Targeting NP-RAAS-BP Rhythm Axis

The investigators have demonstrated that there exists a diurnal rhythm of natriuretic peptides (NPs) which tracks closely with the BP rhythm and is in an antiphase relationship with the rhythm of the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) hormones. The NP levels are lowest at night, and the renin and aldosterone levels are highest at nighttime. Furthermore, the investigators have demonstrated that obese individuals have a putative deficiency of NPs, and this is due to decreased production alongside increased clearance of NPs. LCZ696 is an FDA-approved inhibitor of neprilysin (an NP degrading enzyme) that augments the NP levels and also suppresses the RAAS. Hence, the confluence of putative NP deficiency among obese alongside the lower levels of NPs at nighttime and the increased activity of RAAS at night may contribute to the high-risk nocturnal non-dipping BP profile among obese individuals. Chronopharmacology (controlling the time of medication administration) to synchronize the NP-RAAS axis targeting anti-hypertensive medications with the inherent biological NP-RAAS-BP rhythm axis may help in controlling the high-risk nocturnal BP non-dipping in obese. Investigators hypothesize that nighttime administration of NP augmenting and/or RAAS inhibition therapy in obese hypertensive individuals will help to improve their nocturnal BP rhythm. The investigators aim to conduct a patient-oriented physiological clinical trial to assess the effect of timing of administration of NP-RAAS axis therapy on restoring the normal BP rhythm. This study is a 2x2 factorial design trial, wherein individuals will be randomized to either daytime dosing or nighttime dosing of either LCZ696 or valsartan. The investigators will study the effect of timing of NP augmenting and/or RAAS inhibiting therapy on the nighttime BP profile in obese hypertensive patients with nondipping nocturnal BP. The investigators will also assess the effect of NP augmentation in an NP deficient population on the nocturnal BP profile, i.e., in obese hypertensives with nondipping nocturnal BP. The investigators will also examine the impact of NP augmenting-RAAS inhibiting therapy on the NP levels and the physiological diurnal rhythms. This study will assess the physiological implications of chronopharmacology of anti-hypertensive therapy and assess a potentially novel approach of using the inherent biological rhythms to reduce the normal BP rhythmicity in a high-risk population