Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and healthcare costs of myocardial infarction (MI) in Dubai using real-world claims data.
METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study utilized Dubai Real-World Database (DRWD) e-claims from January 2020 through December 2025. Adults (≥18 years) with ≥1 MI identified using ICD-10 diagnosis codes during 2020-2024, continuous activity for at least 12 months, and complete data were included. Outcomes included incidence, prevalence, patient characteristics, treatment patterns, HCRU, and direct medical costs (inpatient, outpatient, and emergency). Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS: A total of 56,887 patients with MI were identified, of whom 9,646 met all inclusion criteria. Incidence increased from 6,539 (2020) to 8,576 (2024), while prevalence increased from 6,539 to 10,482. Mean age was 52.8 years, and 75% were male. Dyslipidemia (95%), coronary artery disease (90%), hypertension (88%), and diabetes (60%) were the most common comorbidities. Treatment patterns were consistent with guideline-based care, including antiplatelets (95%), statins (76%), and beta-blockers (74%). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 28% of patients, whereas coronary artery bypass grafting remained uncommon (1.3%). Inpatient care represented the highest healthcare resource utilization. Mean annual inpatient cost per patient was approximately AED 43,000-47,000 and was the largest cost component. DRG-related costs (~AED 36,000-39,000) were the largest contributor, while drug costs increased from 2021 onward and service costs remained stable.
CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction remains an important clinical and economic priority in Dubai's insured population, with increasing case identification and inpatient care remaining the principal driver of healthcare resource utilization and costs. These findings are consistent with Dubai's ongoing integrated care pathways, preventive health programmes, value-based healthcare initiatives such as EJADA, and DRG-based monitoring, providing real-world evidence to support informed decision-making, strengthen secondary prevention, optimize care pathways, and improve cardiovascular outcomes.