EFFECT OF CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS AND BETA BLOCKERS AS ADDITIONAL ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE AGENTS ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN T2DM PATIENTS

Sanjay Jaiswal*, Veena M. N., Ashok K. Sharma, Dick B. Brashier

ABSTRACT

Current recommendations exist to control BP < 140/90 mm of Hg for all ages with diabetes. RAS blockers are the anti-hypertensive agents of choice in diabetics with albuminuria. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and beta blockers are established anti-hypertensive agents used in T2DM patients. The present study was conducted to compare health related quality of life (HRQoL) index between CCB versus beta blockers as add-on anti-hypertensive agents in T2DM patients. An open-label prospective study was conducted on 100 T2DM patients with poor BP control while on RAS blockers. HRQoL index was measured using EQ-5D VAS scores and its five domains. After 35 weeks, EQ-5D VAS score improved in CCB group while it worsened in beta blocker group and this was highly significant statistically. Beta blocker group also had a higher and significant proportion of patients with pain and anxiety/depression self-rating. The quality of life index by self-assessment was in favour of CCBs compared to beta blockers in T2DM patients. It is suggested therefore that RAS blockers in combination with CCBs maybe a better choice of dual anti-hypertensive therapy in T2DM patients.

Keywords: T2DM patients, RAS blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Beta blockers, HRQoL index EQ-5D.