For Immediate Release

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Gloria O'Connell, 612-863-4801

Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation tallies PAD costs

MIINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 09/13/2008--Americans spend at least $4.37 billion a year to treat peripheral arterial disease among Medicare patients, according to a study led by investigators from the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, with colleagues from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Despite the high prevalence of PAD, associated Medicare expenditures had not been previously calculated. PAD is known to affect between 8 and 10 million Americans and is associated with high short-term rates of heart attack, stroke, amputation and death.

Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologist and investigator, Alan T. Hirsch, M.D., says the prevalence of PAD will likely increase as the population ages.

"Our data demonstrate that the costs associated with PAD are as high or higher than those associated with heart arrhythmias, heart failure, or stroke.  It is likely that earlier detection of PAD and use of effective prevention strategies would lower these costs.

"Our cost estimates for PAD are conservative, and would be two to three times higher if we also included the impact of the associated heart attacks and strokes caused by PAD.  This huge economic burden was previously hidden," Hirsch says.

The study documents that 88 percent of the costs are related to inpatient hospital care.

The study was published in the current issue of Vascular Medicine.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is creating a world without heart disease through groundbreaking clinical research and innovative educational programs.

Abbott Northwestern Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit family of hospitals, clinics and other care services dedicated to meeting the lifelong health care needs of communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.