Quality of life considerations in the treatment of hypertension

Only recently have practitioners recognized the potential effects of antihypertensive agents on quality of life. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted to assess the effects of the newer antihypertensive agents. The introduction of four first-line antihypertensive agents permits further individualization in the selection of therapy, which will minimize adverse effects and increase the potential for prescribing a better tolerated drug regimen. Until large, well-controlled, randomized studies are conducted evaluating the effect of these antihypertensive agents on quality of life, practitioners must continue to rely on factors such as mechanism and duration of action, efficacy, side-effect profile, and cost to maximize antihypertensive efficacy and patient acceptance of therapy. A practitioner's heightened awareness for the side effects of antihypertensive agents, and the subtle quality-of-life changes that they may elicit will enable them to monitor more effectively and adjust therapy as necessary. This may increase the possibility of patients' compliance with their long-term treatment and ultimately improve patient outcome.