ECONOMIC-IMPACT OF CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE IN CANADA

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the total cost of cardiovascular disease in Can ada. DESIGN: Prevalence-based study estimating disease-related costs g enerated by individuals with cardiovascular disease in 1994, from a so cietal viewpoint. Thr human capital approach was used to estimate the value of lost productivity due to illness. SETTING: Canada. OUTCOME ME ASURES: 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 RE SULTS: The tot al cost of cardiovascular disease was $18.0 billion in 1994, with direct and indirect cost components at $10.4 and $7.6 billi on, respectively. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the lower and upp er bounds were $14.1 and $20.4 billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thi s study highlights the scope and magnitude of cardiovascular disease t hrough its economic consequences. While the figures calculated herein do not give an indication of the appropriateness of current health exp enditures on cardiovascular disease, they provide guidance in the sett ing of national priorities for research and prevention activities.