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The Economic Burden of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Italy
Francesco S Mennini1, Matteo Scortichini1, Furio Colivicchi2
1Faculty of Economics, Centre for Economics and International Studies, Economic Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Columbia, 2, 00133, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases cost Italy over €7000 per patient annually, driven by hospitalizations. Improving medication adherence and lifestyle can reduce this significant economic burden.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are a leading cause of death in Italy.
- Patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, or ischemic stroke face high risks of recurrent events.
- Aging populations and rising risk factors like diabetes and obesity increase the economic impact of ASCVDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess the economic burden of ASCVDs in Italy.
- To focus specifically on direct healthcare costs associated with ASCVDs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of real-world data from administrative databases in Marche and Umbria 2.
- Evaluation of direct costs (hospitalizations, drugs, outpatient visits) for patients with ASCVDs.
- Stratification of costs by age, sex, comorbidities, and medication adherence.
Main Results:
- Annual direct health costs averaged €7190 per patient over 2 years, with hospitalizations comprising ~70% of total costs.
- Costs were higher for males (€7467) than females (€6625), increased with age and comorbidities (up to €17,095 for 4+ comorbidities).
- Medication adherence was associated with lower costs (€6813) compared to non-adherence (€7757).
Conclusions:
- ASCVDs impose a substantial economic burden in Italy, primarily due to direct healthcare expenditures.
- Effective preventive strategies, optimal medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for mitigating the economic impact.
- Understanding cost drivers is essential for developing targeted interventions and resource allocation for ASCVD management.
Background:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the primary cause of mortality in Italy. Individuals with a history of acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack face an elevated risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality. The population aging, coupled with increasing risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, exacerbates the disease's economic impact.
Objectives:
This study aims to comprehensively assess the economic burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in Italy, specifically focusing on direct healthcare costs.
Methods:
We analyzed real-world data from administrative databases in the Marche region and Local Health Unit Umbria 2. The economic burden of patients discharged with acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack was evaluated, with a focus on direct costs associated with hospitalizations, drugs, and outpatient visits. Results were stratified by age, sex, comorbidities at baseline, and adherence to lipid-lowering therapy and antihypertensive agents.
Results:
Annually, nearly 350,000 patients were hospitalized for peripheral arterial disease, acute coronary syndrome, or ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack. Direct health costs averaged €7190 per patient over a 2-year follow-up, with hospitalizations accounting for nearly 70% of the total. Male patients incurred significantly higher costs (€7467) than female patients (€6625). Costs correlated positively with age and with the number of baseline comorbidities, with a range from €5259 (0-1 comorbidities) to €17,095 (4+ comorbidities). Costs were significantly lower in adherent subjects (€6813) compared with non-adherent subjects (€7757).
Conclusions:
This study provides valuable insights into the economic implications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in Italy, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to preventive measures, optimal medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications to mitigate its impact.
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