Amlodipine therapy effects on quality of life in patients with essential arterial hypertension

Abstract

Aim. To assess the effects of amlodipine therapy on quality of life (QoL) parameters among patients with different stages of essential arterial hypertension (EAH). Material and methods. In 97 EAH patients, aged 30-60 years, QoL parameters were assessed before and after amlodipine therapy. Results. In EAH patients, baseline QoL levels were relatively low, especially for the domains of general health, vitality, and mental health. Amlodipine monotherapy improved the physical QoL component, without any clear beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. The largest effect of amlodipine monotherapy on QoL parameters was observed among Stage I EAH patients. It might be the case that this therapy decreases QoL in Stage II and especially Stage III EAH patients, negatively affecting the mental health domain. Conclusion. QoL monitoring during antihypertensive therapy could not only improve therapy compliance, but also increase the motivation towards long-term treatment.