Pharmacoeconomic issues in antihypertensive therapy

Today’s healthcare environment is one of perpetual change, increasing costs, and scarce resources. Healthcare professionals, insurers, and consumers are constantly challenged with balancing healthcare costs and quality of life. With so many antihypertensive agents to choose from, therapies that provide benefits beyond the decreasing of blood pressure, will become the preferred therapies. However, these agents must also demonstrate a desirable side-effect profile; agents that are effective but not complied with will neither reduce costs nor improve quality of life. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists have the most favorable adverse event profile of the antihypertensive agents. These drugs may become the preferred agents of physicians who factor indirect costs—less morbidity and greater productivity—into their selection of an antihypertensive therapy.