Health and economic impact of LDL cholesterol control in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and high or very high cardiovascular risk: a simulation study for the Colombian context




Mateo Ceballos, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Sara Arias, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Carlos Gamboa, Novartis de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia


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.



Keywords: LDL cholesterol. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Costs and cost analysis. Colombia.