Studies
A review of the cost of cardiovascular disease. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 2009;25(6):e195-202.
Author: Tarride JE, Lim M, DesMeules M, Luo W, Burke N, O'Reilly D, Bowen J, Goeree R.
Intervention Type:
Disease State:
Study Objective
To review the literature on the economic costs of CVD in Canada and other developing countries (United States, Europe and Australia) published from 1998 to 2006, with a focus on Canada.
Methods
Systematic review (1656 screened titles and abstracts, 34 articles reviewed including 6 Canadian studies and 17 American studies)
Key Findings
- As reported by Health Canada, CVD represented 11.6% of the total Canadian cost of illness classifiable by diagnostic category in 1998. CVD was also the most costly disease in Canada ($21.2 billion in direct and indirect costs).
- Of the $7.8 billion of direct CVD costs in Canada, hospitalizations accounted for 61%, drugs for 26% and physician care for 12%.
Implications for Drug Safety and Effectiveness Research
This review identified the need to conduct additional research in Canada to gain a better understanding of the cost of CVD or other chronic conditions. The findings indicated that the costs of treating CVD-related conditions are significant, making the case for CVD prevention programs.