Quality of Life and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy

Joel Handler, MD

Conclusions

QOL in hypertensive patients is improved when BP is controlled with medication regimes that are well tolerated, usually involving multidrug, low-dose strategies. All drugs may have adverse effects, but low-dose HCTZ appears to be as well tolerated as other medications. QOL drug comparisons with different drugs are fairly equal with low-dose therapy. A multidrug strategy using low dosages in combination is probably the best approach to BP control without interfering with the enjoyment of life. Compliance strategies are challenging and must address multiple issues.