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Association Between Blood Pressure Lowering and Quality of Life by Treatment of Azilsartan

Nobuharu Fujiwara1, Atsushi Tanaka1, Atsushi Kawaguchi2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University.

International Heart Journal
|October 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Switching to azilsartan significantly lowered blood pressure (BP) in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. This treatment also improved geriatric depression scores, suggesting a dual benefit beyond BP control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Uncontrolled hypertension poses significant health risks, particularly in geriatric populations.
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used, but some patients require alternative treatments for optimal blood pressure (BP) control.
  • Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) is an important consideration in managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of switching from other ARBs to azilsartan in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
  • To assess the impact of this switch on blood pressure (BP) and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL).
  • To explore potential benefits on mood and sleep quality in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 147 patients (mean age 73 years) with uncontrolled hypertension was conducted.
  • Patients switched from a conventional ARB (excluding azilsartan) to azilsartan.
  • Blood pressure, EuroQoL 5 dimensions (EQ5D), simplified menopausal index (SMI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were assessed at baseline and 3 months.

Main Results:

  • Azilsartan significantly reduced systolic BP from 151 ± 16 to 134 ± 17 mm Hg and diastolic BP from 82 ± 12 to 73 ± 12 mm Hg after 3 months.
  • No significant changes were observed in EQ5D or SMI scores.
  • A significant improvement in Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores was noted, with a correlation between GDS improvement and systolic BP reduction.
  • The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) showed significant improvement in the female subgroup.

Conclusions:

  • Switching to azilsartan is effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Azilsartan treatment may positively impact depression symptoms in older adults with hypertension.
  • Further research may explore the specific effects of azilsartan on sleep quality, particularly in female patients.

Keywords:
Angiotensin II receptor blockerDepressionHealth-related quality of life

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