Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and economic burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Dubai's insured adult population.
METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal claims-based cohort study utilized Dubai Real-World Database (DRWD) e-claims from January 2020 through December 2024. Adults (≥18 years) with ASCVD identified using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, treated exclusively in Dubai, continuously active for ≥6 months after diagnosis, and with ≥2 ASCVD-related claims were included. Outcomes included prevalence, incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, HCRU, and healthcare costs. Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS: A total of 91,109 eligible patients were identified. ASCVD prevalence increased from 47,990 cases in 2020 to 68,409 in 2024, while incidence increased from 37,396 to 50,534. Mean age was 51.5 years, and 70% were male. Dyslipidemia (91%), hypertension (76%), and diabetes (55%) were the most common comorbidities. Standard therapies predominated, including statins (84%), antiplatelet agents (83%), and cardiac drugs (53%), whereas advanced lipid-lowering therapies remained limited. Percutaneous coronary intervention was the most frequently performed procedure (82%). Mean annual inpatient cost per patient was AED 42,000-50,000 and was the largest cost contributor. Outpatient costs increased over time, whereas emergency department costs remained relatively low and stable. DRG-related costs (~AED 33,000-38,000) represented the largest cost component, while medication costs increased from 2021 onward.
CONCLUSIONS: ASCVD represents an important and evolving clinical and economic priority in Dubai's insured population, with increasing case identification, frequent cardiometabolic comorbidities, and substantial healthcare resource utilization, particularly for inpatient and DRG-related services. The observed treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization are consistent with Dubai's ongoing implementation of integrated care pathways, preventive health programs, value-based healthcare initiatives such as EJADA, and DRG-based monitoring. These findings provide robust real-world evidence to support informed decision-making, healthcare planning, resource allocation, and the continued strengthening of cardiovascular prevention and care within Dubai's evolving insurance-based health system.