It is estimated that the number of patients with hypertension in 2000 was approximately 927 million in the world. This number, however, is constantly growing. Treatment of hypertension is associated with changes in the lifestyle habits and the use of antihypertensive drugs, which are not often characterized by harmful side effects. Medicines used in the pharmacotherapy of hypertension include: β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEI) inhibitors, diuretics, and angiotensin II receptor blockers. The latest studies clearly showed that the quality of life of patients with hypertension is significantly lower compared to healthy people. In addition, the quality of life of hypertension patients is not only affected by primary disease but also by co-morbidities and the side effects of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension also generates large financial costs which include medical treatment, diagnostic tests, medical visits and hospitalization. The aim of the study is to review available literature on quality of life and economic aspects of patients with hypertension.

Key words: hypertension, quality of life, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions.