Introduction

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading health problem in the United States. Many individuals are now living longer with CAD and heart failure (HF) because of advances in medical science that have resulted in decreases in morbidity and mortality. Even with these decreases, CAD and HF remain major concerns in healthcare delivery in terms of their significant economic and health consequences. Cardiovascular disease carries an important economic burden, consuming over $150 billion of healthcare resources in the United States in 1996.[ 1 1997 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update, American Heart Association, 1996. Google Scholar ]To improve patients’ quality of life and to lower avoidable disease-related expenses, much emphasis has been placed on risk-factor identification, modification, and reduction. Existing and emerging technologies, newer and more effective drug therapies, and efforts to prevent CAD and HF must be coupled with an awareness and understanding of healthcare economics in order to choose wisely among therapeutic options.