Compilation of cost-effectiveness evidence for different heart conditions and treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES Despite the continuing interest in health economic research, we could find no accessible data set on cost-effectiveness, useful as practical information to decision makers who must allocate scarce resources within the cardiovascular field. The aim of this paper was to present cost-effectiveness ratios, based on a systematic literature search for the treatment of heart diseases. DESIGN A comprehensive literature search on cost-effectiveness analyses of intervention strategies for the treatment of heart diseases was conducted. We compiled available cost-effectiveness ratios for different heart conditions and treatment strategies, in a cost-effectiveness ranking table. The cost-effectiveness ratios were expressed as a cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) or life year gained. RESULTS Cost-effectiveness ratios, ranging from dominant to those costing more than 1,000,000 Euros per QALY gained, and bibliographic references are provided for. The table was categorized according to disease group, making the ranking table readily available. CONCLUSIONS Cost-effectiveness ranking tables provide a means of presenting cost-effectiveness evidence. They provide valid information within a limited space aiding decision makers on the allocation of health care resources. This paper represents an extensive compilation of health economic evidence for the treatment of heart diseases.