Valsartan - its antihypertensive efficacy, tolerance and impact on the quality of life

Abstract

One of the main conditions essential for an effective treatment of hypertension is obtaining an equilibrium between blood pressure control, cardiovascular risk reduction, tolerance of treatment and its impact on the patient’s quality of life. It was shown that in hypertensive subjects the quality of life is lower than in healthy subjects and it is particularly low in hypertensive women as compared with men. Pharmacotherapy of hypertension should contribute to a lasting improvement in the patient’s quality of life, which in consequence leads to an improved compliance with treatment. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are among well tolerated antihypertensive drug classes. One of these drugs, valsartan, is a safe and effective agent, both when used in monotherapy or in combined therapy. Valsartan allows twenty-four hour blood pressure control, without important adverse events. It also contributes to a better functioning of hypertensive patients’ in important aspects of their lives, which translates itself into an improved quality of life, both in men and in women.