The cost of treating the six most common heart-related conditions rose by approximately 40% between 1997 and 2006.
Figures released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) revealed that the top three most costly conditions treated in U.S. hospitals in 2006 were all cardiovascular conditions – coronary artery disease, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. The figures also showed that the cost of treating these conditions and three other common heart-related conditions – irregular heart beat, stroke, and non-specific chest pain, reached $59.7 billion in 2006 – approximately 40% higher than in 1997.
The figures also show that circulatory conditions accounted for the 23%, or $79.5 billion, of hospitalization costs, despite the fact that they comprised just 16% percent of all stays in hospital.
News release: Annual Hospital Costs for the Top 6 Heart-related Conditions Near $60 Billion. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). December 12th 2008.
