Impact of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease on Hospital Costs of Patients Undergoing Myocardial Revascularization Surgery in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Myocardial revascularization surgery may be indicated for the relief of symptoms and to reduce mortality. However, surgery is a costly procedure and the impact of the number of cardiovascular risk factors on the cost of the procedure has not been established. Objectives: To identify the impact of risk factors for coronary artery disease on myocardial revascularization surgery cost. Methods: We selected 239 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery at the National Institute of Cardiology in the period from 01 January to 31 December 2013. We included patients aged over 30 years, with indication for the procedure. Patients undergoing combined procedures were excluded. Results: Seven patients had only one risk factor, 32 patients had two risk factors, 75 patients had 3 risk factors, 78 patients had four risk factors, 36 patients had 5 risk factors and 11 patients presented 6 risk factors. The total costs, on average, was R$ 14,143.22 in the group with 1 risk factor, R$ 18,380.40 in the group with 2 risk factors, R$ 21,229.51 in the group with 3 risk factors, R$ 24,620.86 in the group with 4 risk factors, R$ 21,337.92 in the group with 5 risk factors and R$ 36,098,35 in the group with 6 risk factors (p = 0.441). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, in a public referral center for highly complex cardiology procedures, there was no significant correlation between the number of cardiovascular risk factors and hospitalization costs.