Effect of Calcium Channel Blockers on Quality of Life: An Observational Study Among Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients

Background: The treatment of essential hypertension with Calcium channel blockers as first line therapy for newly diagnosed patients is the rise. The effect of CCB based therapies on quality of life among patients has produced conflicting results. It's known that this class of drugs have some distressing side effects which can negatively on quality of life, which has implication for adherence. The aim of this study therefore, is to evaluate their effect on health related quality of life (HRQol) among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: This was an eight week prospective observational study among newly diagnosed patients placed on six CCB based therapies. A total of 193 patients complete the eight domain SF-36 quality of life survey which was carried out at the point of diagnosis, fourth week and at the end of the study. The score for each domain was calculated according to standard procedure. The influence of reported side effects and demographic variables on HRQol was assessed using either Students t test or Chi square as appropriate. P values ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The effect of antihypertensive regimen(s) on HRQol was mixed across the eight domains of the instrument. While there was insignificant effect on perception of “general health”, the number of side effects and some demographic variables were associated with reduction to HRQol scores. Conclusion: The effect of CCB based therapies on HRQol was mixed, though there was no significant change in the overall patient's perception of their health status.