Burden of Heart Failure Disease: The Mexican Health System Perspective. The Costs and Impact on Quality of Life of an Average Patient

Abstract

Background. Heart failure (HF) is a non-communicable cardiovascular disease defined as a clinical syndrome that affects the heart´s ability to meet the body’s metabolic demands. It is estimated that there are more than 64 million people living with HF worldwide. The annual prevalence rate in the Mexican population is 2.1 % in men and 1.9 % in women, showing an incremental relationship with the age group. It was estimated that in Mexico, in 2017, the years lived with disability (YLD) by HF were 107.62 per 100,000 inhabitants, which stood for 1.13 % of the YLD nationwide. Objective. To calculate the economic burden and impact of HF on quality of life of the Mexican population. Material and Methods. After reviewing the literature, an economic analysis was carried out, and a Markov chain model was created to simulate the natural progression of the disease with a time horizon for an average patient during 5 and 16 years. Results. The total direct costs for an average patient over 16 years are MXN 609, 112, with the highest percentage of expenses corresponding to hospitalization costs. Our findings are consistent with what was reported by a cost analysis by HF in 197 countries, where it was found that direct costs represent about 60 % and indirect costs 40 %. Conclusions. HF is a disease derived from other cardiovascular conditions, so the burden is high, having costs for various economic agents with an impact on both the budget of health care institutions and the family economy.