title: The economics of hypertension and stroke.
abstract: The prevention of stroke through the control of hypertension is cost-effective economically and medically. A reduced incidence of stroke generates savings to the health service in hospital and surgical costs, and the avoidance of premature mortality means survivors contribute more to the economy as a result of extra working years. In addition to financial benefits, antihypertensive agents can also improve a patient's quality of life. This can be measured with a variety of health profiles or indexes and is often expressed together with life expectancy in quality-adjusted life years. This article examines the benefits produced by the effective control of hypertension, taking data from England and Wales during the past 30 years.
authors.affiliation: Office of Health Economics, London, England.
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D014852:Wales