Pharmacoeconomic Benefits of Antihypertensive Therapy

BACKGROUND: Effective blood pressure reduction reduces cardiovascular risk and prevents later complications. OBJECTIVES: To consider the pharmacoeconomic benefits of antihypertensive therapy. SUMMARY: Every managed care pharmacist should consider the balance of cost and benefit of antihypertensive therapies, ensuring that best treatment options for patients with the lowest cost to the health care system are available and implemented. Pharmacists must also evaluate the direct and indirect cost associated with risk reduction for stroke and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Using an interdisciplinary approach to hypertension treatment, pharmacists can assume a major role in detection, management, and control of hypertensive patients. As the medical teams' drug expert, they will be expected to recommend best treatment options for effective blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk reduction.