Quality of life of patients receiving antihypertensive treatment.
Ninety-four hypertensive patients, 52 females and 42 males, 38 to 79 years old, were investigated for quality of life under antihypertensive treatment, using a self-administered questionnaire. Their social situation, work and leisure activities and hypertension-related symptoms were evaluated when first diagnosed and after treatment with antihypertensive drugs. Of the 94 patients, 85 (90%) felt uneasiness due to hypertension, 21 (22%) felt their work was limited, and 27 (29%) reported restricted leisure activities due to hypertension. Eighteen patients (19%) had sexual problems. Females who were severely hypertensive at first visit (mean BP greater than or equal to 120 mmHg), those who were well-controlled by treatment (mean BP at last visit less than 105 mmHg), and those whose mean BP decreased markedly (decrease in mean BP greater than or equal to 20 mmHg) showed significant improvement in hypertension-related symptoms. Side effects varied depending on the antihypertensive drug used. It is recommended that the quality of life of patients be taken into consideration when choosing antihypertensive drugs.
Mandai
T
T
Department of Preventive Medicine, National Cardiovascular Centre, Osaka, Japan.
Hashimoto
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents