Addition of non-pharmacological methods of treatment in patients on antihypertensive drugs: results of previous medication, laboratory tests and life quality

Four hundred patients from eight health centres were recruited for this 2-year study on the possible replacement of antihypertensive drugs by non-pharmacological therapy. All the patients were given a device to measure their blood pressure at home and had monthly checks at a health centre. Two hundred patients on antihypertensive drugs (G1) started additional non-pharmacological therapy after 1 year in the study, while the rest (G2) had used it from the beginning. Antihypertensive drugs were withdrawn according to predetermined criteria. The drop-out rate was 1.5% each year. Medication was withdrawn completely from 42.7% of G1, and in 21.5% it was withheld for at least 18 months. The corresponding figures for G2 were 46.4% and 25.5% respectively. Most of the medication withdrawal in G1 occurred during the first year, when the group's management consisted solely of blood pressure measurements at home and frequent visits to the health centre. Serum triglycerides decreased on non-pharmacological treatment in both sexes in both groups. Life quality improved, particularly for the group (n = 173) that had the drugs withdrawn.