OBJECTIVES To analyse the utilisation of anti-hypertensive drugs within Slovakia between 1998 and 2007 and to assess the economic consequences of anti-hypertensive medications. METHODS For 1998 - 2007, the data about consumption of drugs for cardiovascular disease were collected in accordance with ATC/DDD measurement unit. This analysis focused on the situation in anti-hypertensive medication in more detail. Data of wholesalers, who are legally obliged provide this information to the Slovak Institute for Drug Control, was used for the analysis. RESULTS A significant increase in the medication cardiovascular disease in 1998 (258.55), in 2003 (380.15) and in 2007 (510.73) in term of DDD/1000/day can be seen from this analysis. The results show that the consumption (in terms of DDD/1000/day) of ß-blockers was in 1998 (31.21), in 2003 (41.40) and in 2007 (47.82), Agents acting on the rennin-angiotensin system (in 1998 (39.16), in 2003 (84.88) and in 2007 (139.61), Ca-blockers (in 1998 (33.47) in 2003 (57.54) and in 2007 (77.18), Diuretics (in 1998 (27.17), in 2003 (32.56) and in 2007 (39.25), Peripheral vasodilators (in 1998 (21.14), in 2003 (20.64) and in 2007 (16.01), Serum lipid reducing agents in 1998 (7.34), in 2003 (27.21) and in 2007 (63.34). In financial terms, the consumption of ß-blockers in 1998 (€8,728,000) and 2007 (€14,622,000), Agents acting on the rennin-angiotensin system in 1998 (€15,615,000) and 2007 (€55,094,000), Ca-blockers in 1998 (€14,496,000) and 2007 (€21,624,000), Diuretics in 1998 (€1,909,000) and 2007 (€4,560,000), Peripheral vasodilators in 1998 (€5,460,000) and in 2007 (€5,252,000), Serum lipid reducing agents in 1998 (€9,609,000€) and 2007 (€26,279,000€) can be seen from this study. CONCLUSIONS Usage of generic drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases brought about a dramatic increase in drug consumption and the financial expenditures for health insurance funds have remained under control.