Key result
Following JNC guidelines, initial treatment with chlorthalidone resulted in the lowest 5-year costs to achieve and maintain hypertension control ($1,821) compared to amlodipine ($3,334), despite amlodipine having higher initial control rates.
Why the study?
Does the choice of initial antihypertensive agent affect the clinical cost of managing hypertension when following JNC guidelines?
Does the choice of initial antihypertensive agent affect the clinical cost of managing hypertension when following JNC guidelines?
Following JNC guidelines, initial treatment of hypertension with a generic diuretic (chlorthalidone) is substantially less costly than with newer agents like amlodipine, despite slightly lower initial control rates.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May favor initial diuretics to lower long-term hypertension costs; leaves open need for prospective validation of modeled savings.
Ramsey et al. (1999) studied Mild to moderate essential hypertension. Antihypertensive agents (chlorthalidone, acebutolol, amlodipine, enalapril) vs. Alternative antihypertensive classes was evaluated on First-year cost to achieve and maintain hypertension control. Following JNC guidelines, initial treatment with chlorthalidone resulted in the lowest 5-year costs to achieve and maintain hypertension control ($1,821) compared to amlodipine ($3,334), despite amlodipine having higher initial control rates.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: