Peripheral arterial disease: the magnitude of the problem and its socioeconomic impact

Gregorio Brevetti1, Massimo Chiariello

  • 1Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University Federico II, Napoli, Italy. brevetti@unina.it

Current Drug Targets. Cardiovascular & Haematological Disorders
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) significantly impacts quality of life and incurs high healthcare costs. Early recognition and treatment of PAD can reduce societal and economic burdens, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Health Economics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent condition in adults.
  • PAD complications significantly reduce quality of life and increase healthcare expenditures.
  • Rising healthcare costs necessitate evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pharmacoeconomics of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
  • To analyze the economic burden of PAD on healthcare systems and society.
  • To identify strategies for mitigating the costs associated with PAD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pharmacoeconomic studies related to PAD.
  • Analysis of direct, indirect, and intangible costs of PAD.
  • Synthesis of evidence on the cost-effectiveness of early diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Peripheral arterial disease imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and society.
  • Indirect costs (lost productivity) and intangible costs (reduced quality of life) are significant components of the overall burden.
  • Early detection and appropriate treatment of PAD can lead to cost savings.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral arterial disease represents a major public health and economic challenge.
  • Pharmacoeconomic evaluation is crucial for optimizing PAD management strategies.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD are cost-effective and improve patient well-being.

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