Effect of Antihypertensive Medications on the Subjective Quality of Life in Previously Untreated Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Objective: This study was done with the main objective of evaluating the effect of antihypertensive medications on the quality of life in patients who were previously untreated. Methods : In this prospective study, 114 patients were included. WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results : The study reported no significant difference in any of the four domains from baseline to end of the study scores. Although there was an increase in physical health and psychological function domain scores, the increase was not statistically significant. The results also noted that patient’s perception of overall quality of life did not significantly improve over the study period. However, the patient’s perception of satisfaction with health significantly improved over the study period. The domain scores had a positive correlation with hypertension control. Physical health and environmental condition domains showed a statistically significant correlation with mean change in blood pressure. The quality of life did not vary significantly in different age groups. The quality of life did not significantly differ between different classes of antihypertensive drugs used. Conclusion : The quality of life in hypertensive patients who were previously untreated significantly correlated with hypertension control. There was no difference among different classes of drugs or different age group as for as the effect on quality of life is concerned. Key words : Quality of life, Hypertension, WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire, Antihypertensives, Scores.