Influence of betahistidine dihydrochloride and antihypertensive medications on quality of life in patients with stable arterial hypertension and vertigo

Abstract

Aim. To assess the effects of combined lisinopril and betahistidine dihydrochloride therapy on quality of life (QoL) and blood pressure (BP) in patients with stable, mild to moderate arterial hypertension and vertigo.
Material and methods. The study included 67 patients with stable, mild to moderate AH and vertigo. BP dynamics was assessed by 24-hour BP monitoring, QoL – by Marburg University Questionnaire, vertigo severity – by the questionnaire of State Research Center for Preventive Medicine.
Results. Both antihypertensive treatment (lisinopril monotherapy) and combined treatment (lisinopril plus betahistidine dihydrochloride) equally decreased BP levels. Lisinopril monotherapy improved only a few of QoL parameters, and combined therapy beneficially influenced virtually all of them. Long-term combined treatment decreased severity of vertigo and accompanying symptoms in both study groups. The most typical vertigo cause was disturbance of vestibular structures’ blood flow and metabolism, including restricted venous reflow due to BP increase. Long-term combined therapy was effective and well-tolerated.
Conclusion: Combined betahistidine dihydrochloride and lisinopril therapy was similar to lisinopril monotherapy, regarding BP reduction and vertigo symptoms improvement. At the same time, combined therapy improved more QoL parameters than monotherapy.