Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
A study presented to the American Heart Association reveals the toll heart attacks and other coronary conditions take on resources.
The study looked at 37,000 people from 2007 to 2010. Most were men under the age of 65.
Researchers found that the cost of hospitalization and medication was $8,170 per person.
Patients lost an average of 60.2 work days following heart attacks and, over the long term, lost more than a year.
For employers, the disability costs were greater than the direct costs:
- $7,943 for short-term disability
- $52,473 for long-term disability
The authors conclude that heart disease can impose devastating effects financially and in lost productivity, arguing for prevention in the form of avoiding smoking, weight loss, a healthful diet, and proper drugs to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
