[Effect of long-term monotherapy with propranolol and nifedipine on the quality of life and psychological status of patients with hypertension].

WHO criteria of quality of life and psychological status were employed in a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial of relevant effects induced by propranolol and nifedipine. Forty patients with essential hypertension (EH) stage I-II aged 35-60, males with diastolic pressure 96-114 mm Hg, entered the trial. Monotherapy with calcium antagonist nifedipine produced a beneficial effect on EH patients' quality of life, they became more sociable and active. Propranolol, beta-adrenoblocker, given for 4 weeks resulted in psychosocial dysadaptation, hypochondriasis, depressions. It is concluded that an antihypertensive effect of the above drugs was related to the EH patients' initial status: one can predict psychological benefit of nifedipine in patients without neurotic symptoms, while propranolol is more effective in neurotic EH subjects.