Estimating healthcare resource utilisation and cardiovascular events in people with high body mass index and established cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Aims: Obesity and its complications contribute to the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we characterised individuals with high body mass index (BMI) and established CVD by assessing healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and costs, incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective open cohort study using UK Discover data (study period: January 2004 to December 2019). Included were individuals aged ≥45 years with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m², without type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and with established CVD (previous myocardial infarction, stroke or peripheral artery disease). Serial annual cross sections were assembled to generate prevalence and incidence cohorts and for mapping of HCRU, costs and the incidence of selected events. CVD and mortality trajectories were modelled using a Markov model. HCRU and costs were layered onto this model to obtain associated trajectories.

Results: In 2019, annual per-person healthcare costs for individuals with high BMI and established CVD (n = 27 313) were £3364. During 2015-2019, the incidence of major adverse CV events was 2812 per 100,000 person-years; the incidences of all-cause and CV mortality were 2896 and 774 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Over 2022-2031, this population is projected to accrue estimated healthcare costs of £40.8 million. HCRU trajectory drivers included a history of CV events, older age, and multimorbidity.

Conclusions: Owing to a high disease and treatment burden, people with a history of CVD living with high BMI incur substantial healthcare costs and are at risk of mortality.