Cost-effectiveness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the follow-up of hypertension

Abstract

Aims. To study the cost of the follow-up of hypertension in primary care (PC) using clinical blood pressure (CBP) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and to analyse the cost-effectiveness (CE) of both methods. Major findings and principal conclusion. Good control of hypertension was achieved in 8.3% with CBP (95% CI 4.8-11.8) and in 55.6% with ABPM (95% CI 49.3-61.9). The cost of one patient with good control of hypertension is almost four times higher with CBP than with ABPM (€940 vs €238). Reaching the gold standard (ABPM) involved an after-cost of €115 per patient. The results for a 5% discount rate showed a saving of €68,883 if ABPM was performed in all the patients included in the study (n = 241, €285 per patient). An analysis of sensitivity, changing the discount rate and life expectancy indicated that ABPM provides a better CE ratio and a lower global cost. ABPM is more cost-effective than CBP. However, if we include the new treatment cost of poorly monitored patients, it is less cost-effective. Excellent control of hypertension is still an important challenge for all healthcare professionals, especially for those working in PC, where most monitoring of hypertensive patients takes place. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.