[Health economic evaluation of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:

Low-dose aspirin is standard treatment for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Its use in primary prevention is more controversial. However, recent studies also support the use of aspirin in high-risk individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the health economic implications of using low-dose aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Spain.

METHODS:

A model was developed to predict the cost-effectiveness of low-dose aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease over a period of 10 years. The direct costs used were those of the Spanish National Health Service (NHS). Results were expressed as cost per life-year gained and per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

RESULTS:

Administering low-dose aspirin to an individual with a 10-year risk of coronary heart disease > or =15% resulted in an average net saving of e 797 (95% CI, e 263-1331) over the 10-year period, with savings starting in the first year. For an annual risk > or =0.24%, this form of treatment would reduce NHS costs. Treating all at-risk individuals in the Spanish population with aspirin would save e 26.5 million from the healthcare budget, starting in the first year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Administering low-dose aspirin to individuals with a 10-year risk of coronary heart disease > or =15% would result in significant cost savings for the Spanish NHS. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings.

• Authors: Mark Lamotte, Carme Piñol, Carlos Brotons, Lieven Annemans, Elena Guardiola, Thomas Evers, Maria Kubin
• Journal: Revista espanola de cardiologia (Rev Esp Cardiol) Vol. 59 Issue 8 Pg. 807-15 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0300-8932 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Evaluación económica del tratamiento con ácido acetilsalicílico en dosis bajas en la prevención primaria de enfermedades cardiovasculares.
• PMID: 16938230 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aspirin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aspirin (administration & dosage, economics)
• Budgets
• Cardiovascular Diseases (economics, prevention & control)
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Models, Economic
• Spain