Rilmenidine – its antihypertensive efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life in perimenopausal women with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Objectives. A prospective, open‐labeled study to assess the antihypertensive effect of monotherapy with rilmenidine and its impact on quality of life (QoL), as well as on biochemical parameters in perimenopausal women with essential hypertension. Design and methods. Fifty‐five perimenopausal women with mild to moderate essential hypertension (mean age 51.4±2.4 years) were enrolled. At baseline and after 12‐week monotherapy with rilmenidine, we assessed: systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), fasting glucose, serum creatinine and total cholesterol levels. QoL was also assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks by two standardized questionnaires: the Short Form – 36 (SF‐36) and the Subjective Symptoms Assessment Profile (SSAP). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t‐test to compare changes in BP, QoL and biochemical parameters during therapy with rilmenidine. Results. After 12 weeks of therapy, there was a significant decrease in BP and HR. Normalization of BP was o...