Mateo Ceballos, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Sara Arias, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Carlos Gamboa, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Introduction: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is one of the modifiable risk factors with the greatest impact for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Objective: To quantify the economic impact of LDL-c control in patients with ASCVD and high and very high cardiovascular risk in Colombia. Method: A Markov model was built from the perspective of the Colombian health-care system, to simulate the impact of a 50% reduction of LDL-c in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events and direct avoided costs, over a time horizon of 5 and 10 years. The number of prevalent and incident patients and cost was quantified from public databases and local literature. Results: A 50% reduction in LDL-c over 5 years would prevent 105,826 events and reduce cost for the Colombian health-care system in COP $3.4 billion, a 36% decrease vs. no LDL-c control, while over 10 years these values rise to 199,583 events and COP $6 billion, a 34% reduction. Conclusions: In patients with ASCVD and high and very high cardiovascular risk, a sustained and consistent control of LDL-C prevents major adverse cardiovascular events and generates savings for the Colombian health-care system.
Keywords: LDL cholesterol. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Costs and cost analysis. Colombia.