Clinical and Economic Outcomes Following First-Time Myocardial Infarction: A Nationwide Cohort Study from the...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) poses significant long-term health challenges.
• Understanding the full impact of a first-time MI on patient outcomes and healthcare resource needs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the long-term consequences of a first-time myocardial infarction (MI).
• To compare outcomes, healthcare resource use, and associated costs between first-time MI patients and matched controls.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the SWEDEHEART registry for first-time MI patients and matched controls (2012-2022).
• Assessed major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), healthcare resource use, and costs through November 2024.
• Matched controls based on sex, age, and region.

Main Results:

• First-time MI patients had a 10-year MACE probability of 48.5% vs. 21.1% in controls (HR 3.65).
• Higher rates of cardiovascular death, MI, and revascularization were observed in MI patients.
• MI patients incurred nearly double the annual healthcare costs and utilized twice the inpatient resources.

Conclusions:

• First-time MI patients experience persistently elevated risks of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, and stroke.
• Significant disparities in healthcare utilization and costs persist long-term, particularly in the first year post-MI.
• Effective prevention strategies are essential to mitigate the long-term burden of myocardial infarction.