Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Given the high prevalence and economic impact of cardiovascular diseases, along with the need for care models that control modifiable risk factors, it is critical to identify target populations that would benefit from such initiatives. This study aims to identify, through real-world data, the population eligible for a secondary cardiovascular prevention (SCP) care model and to evaluate the available outcomes and costs within a health insurance plan in the Brazilian Private Health System.
METHODS: Adults with prior cardiovascular events were identified in a health insurance plan database covering 656,562 beneficiaries. Cardiovascular conditions were identified using ICD-10 codes for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease including stroke, and atherosclerosis using data from January/2024 to December/2024. Individuals were screened for comorbidities, and healthcare utilization and costs were assessed. Among those with available laboratory results, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values were analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 1.041 were identified in the SPD group, with a mean age of 68 ± 15 years and 28.5% reporting tobacco use. Of these, 59% (n=618) had either ischemic stroke or acute myocardial infarction. Among individuals in the SCP group with LDL-C results (n=244), 77.5% had LDL-C > 50 mg/dL and 32% had LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL. In contrast, 56% of individuals without prior cardiovascular events had LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL. Overall, 1,102 hospitalizations and 783 emergency visits were recorded, accounting for USD 5.2 million and USD 125.272 in costs, respectively. Mean hospitalization costs reached USD 5,062 in the SCP, yielding a 1.19 times higher cost compared with the general insured population.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular diseases remain clinically impactful in this insured population, with substantial clinical burden and associated costs. Understanding the characteristics of this group and implementing an integrated cardiovascular prevention care model with systematic follow-up of outcomes may support improved risk-factor control and more efficient resource use.