Geriatric hypertension therapy: a guide to cost-effectiveness.

The traditional, stepped-care approach to the treatment of hypertension has been challenged by the introduction of new and more expensive medications. Because hypertensive patients include those who can least afford high-priced medication, such prescribing patterns may result in noncompliance and, further, may cause patients to switch to physicians or managed-care systems more considerate of their economic needs. Physicians should therefore consider cost-effectiveness in treatment of hypertensive patients.