Economic impact of cardiovascular disease in Canada

Objective — To estimate the total cost of cardiovascular disease in Canada.

Design — Prevalence-based study estimating disease-related costs generated by individuals with cardiovascular disease in 1994, from a societal viewpoint. The human capital approach was used to estimate the value of lost productivity due to illness.

Setting — Canada.

Outcome Measures — First, direct costs, in terms of expenditures on hospital care, other institutions, physician services, other health professionals, drugs, research and other items; and second, indirect costs, in terms of lost productivity due to premature mortality or disability.

Main Results — The total cost of cardiovascular disease was $18.0 billion in 1994, with direct and indirect cost components at $10.4 and $7.6 billion, respectively. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the lower and upper bounds were $14.1 and $20.4 billion, respectively.

Conclusions — This study highlights the scope and magnitude of cardiovascular disease through its economic consequences. While the figures calculated herein do not give an indication of the appropriateness of current health expenditures on cardiovascular disease, they provide guidance in the setting of national priorities for research and prevention activities.