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| Authors | M Zarb Adami A Serracino Inglott L M Azzopardi S Debattista |
| Abstract | Aim: to investigate the effect on quality of life of changing from an ACE inhibitor to losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, in patients suffering from heart failure who are not tolerating ACE inhibitors. Method: A prospective study was carried out over 20 weeks with 17 patients (mean age- 65 years, range 50-81 years). Two health-related quality of life instruments were used: Short Form-36 (SF-36, a generic instrument) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (LHFQ, a disease specific instrument). A data sheet to assess the occurrence of side effects was developed. The SF-36, LHFQ and the data sheet were addressed to the patients while still on an ACE inhibitor (baseline) and after 12 weeks of starting treatment with losartan. Results: There was no significant difference between SF-36 scores obtained at baseline and scores obtained during losartan treatment. For the LHFQ scores a statistically significant improvement in quality of life was detected (p<0.001) during losartan treatment (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) compared to baseline (treatment with ACE inhibitor). Patients (14, 82%) reported that they noticed an improvement in their well-being with the start of losartan treatment. Occurrence of side effects with losartan: 10 (59%) reported no side effects, 6 (35%) dizziness, and 2 (12%) hypotension on treatment initiation. Conclusion: Treatment with losartan resulted in an improvement in scores for the LHFQ instrument and a better side effect profile for patients who were intolerant to ACE inhibitors. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | ACE inhibitor, intolerance, losartan, pharmacy, quality of life |