Annual cost for cardiovascular medications in Canada per 100 000 population, for the period 1996–2006. Each bar represents 1 year of data between 1996 and 2006. Percent changes were calculated as 2006 data in relation to 1996 data. AC = anticoagulants, ACE = angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, AP = thienopyridine antiplatelets, ARB = angiotensin-receptor antagonists, BB = β-blockers, CA = calcium antagonists, NTG = nitroglycerin, SL = sublingual. Source: IMS Health Canada, Canadian CompuScript Audit® database.