Well-being may be adversely affected in hypertensive patients by the disease process and its complications, other concomitant diseases, especially depression and anxiety, and the treatment prescribed. The adverse consequences of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment are discussed, with emphasis on the psychologic consequences of such treatment. The wider impact of side effects on the daily lives of patients is discussed--the quality-of-life approach. Areas considered include work performance and leisure activities. The problem of interpreting any changes in quality-of-life measures is considered.