Introduction:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is one of the modifiable risk factors with the greatest impact for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Objective:

To quantify the economic impact of LDL-c control in patients with ASCVD and high and very high cardiovascular risk in Colombia.

Method:

A Markov model was built from the perspective of the Colombian health-care system, to simulate the impact of a 50% reduction of LDL-c in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events and direct avoided costs, over a time horizon of 5 and 10 years. The number of prevalent and incident patients and cost was quantified from public databases and local literature.

Results:

A 50% reduction in LDL-c over 5 years would prevent 105,826 events and reduce cost for the Colombian health-care system in COP $3.4 billion, a 36% decrease vs. no LDL-c control, while over 10 years these values rise to 199,583 events and COP $6 billion, a 34% reduction.

Conclusions:

In patients with ASCVD and high and very high cardiovascular risk, a sustained and consistent control of LDL-C prevents major adverse cardiovascular events and generates savings for the Colombian health-care system.

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