The effect of hypotensive drugs on the quality of life.

Quality of life after antihypertensive therapy was assessed in 75 patients with controlled hypertension using questionnaires given to patients, close companions and doctors. The overall assessments of the three groups differed significantly.The questionnaire completed by relatives rated 19 patients (25 per cent) to have suffered mild adverse changes, 33 patients (45 per cent) to have had moderate adverse changes and 22 patients (30 per cent) severe adverse changes. The deteriorations were attributed to undue pre-occupation with sickness, decline in energy, general activity and sexual activity, and irritability. The implications of the therapeutic regimes are discussed. The value of such an assessment in social readjustment and occupational rehabilitation is suggested.