The use and the cost of inpatient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cardiovascular diseases in public hospitals of Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of mortality and disability worldwide, causing substantial personal, social, and economic problems. This study determined the use and Cost of inpatient diagnostic and therapeutic CVD procedures in Isfahan from 2019 to 2021. METHODS: This descriptive study covered a three-year period (2019-2021). Data were gathered from the Health Information System of two public hospitals that carried out these procedures (Chamran and Khorshid hospitals) in Isfahan, Iran. A list of procedures was carefully chosen according to experts' opinions, for which the use and cost of these procedures were extracted. RESULTS: Coronary angiography demonstrated the highest annual average use (47.65), while mitral valve repair showed the lowest (0.06). The highest annual average total cost was seen in angioplasty (617,425,750,917 IRR), while the lowest was seen in mitral valve repair (2,375,305,232 IRR). Regarding cost per procedure, VSD surgery (409,107,479 IRR) had the highest annual average cost, while the lowest was seen in coronary angiography (56,340,938 IRR). A consistent upward trend in cost per procedure (in IRR) was observed across all procedures during the study period. CONCLUSION: The majority of cardiovascular procedure costs are attributable to diagnosing and treating ischemic heart disease (IHD). Consequently, the increasing prevalence of CVDs particularly IHD coupled with the use of advanced technologies, imposes a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. This underscores the critical need for policy actions focused on lifestyle modification and primary prevention. Such measures are essential to curb rising costs and ensure healthcare system sustainability.