The Socioeconomic Effects of Uncontrolled Hypertension

Background: Hypertension (HT), albeit a modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, remains one of the main contributors to the total disease burden internationally and, thus, inevitably one of the basic cost drivers in healthcare systems. Conclusion: Taking the above into account, this brief narrative review aims at presenting the main findings of the international health economics literature on HT with regards to four key areas: a) the costs attributable to HT, b) the effects of HT on patient well-being, c) the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical interventions against high blood pressure, and, d) the costs and benefits of preventive measures against HT. Bearing in mind the available evidence on disease costs and the efficiency of interventions, HT must constitute a primary objective of modern health policy, internationally.