Tolerability and quality of life in ARB-treated patients.
Side effects associated with some antihypertensive agents can adversely affect patient adherence to a treatment regimen. Controlled clinical trials involving >11,000 patients have consistently shown that the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are generally well tolerated. Adverse effects, such as headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea, have been described as mild to moderate. The frequency of cough is significantly lower in patients treated with ARBs than in those receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Angioedema, a less common but more serious side effect, also appears to be seen less frequent with ARBs than with ACEIs, although cross-reactivity is possible. Quality of life (QOL) is another important factor affecting treatment adherence. Recent studies have shown improvements in QOL measures in patients switched from other classes of antihypertensive agents to ARBs.