ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy of atenolol and diltiazem-SR and the effects on the quality of life in hypertensive patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-three patients with mild to moderate hypertension (DBP 90 - 109 mmHg) were allocated randomly to be administered with atenolol 25 mg/d (group A, n=37) and diltiazem-SR 90 mg/d (group B, n=36) for eight weeks. The changes of heart rate, office blood pressure(OBP), ambulatory blood pressure(ABP) and the quality of life were compared before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Heart rate, OBP and ABP decreased after treatment in both groups. The effective rate of blood pressure was 88.2% in group A and 93.8% in group B. Twenty four hour mean daytime and nighttime BP,daytime and nighttime BP loads declined in both groups (P<0.05 - 0.01). The quality of life was significantly increased in group B (P<0.05). Side effects were 21.6% in group A and 11.1% in group B, respectively (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Atenolol and diltiazem-SR are more effective and tolerant in the treatment of the hypertension. Diltiazem improves the quality of life better than atenolol.</p>