The Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the United StatesAuthors

Authors

• Maedeh Zokaei Nikoo, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH..
• Sundeep Kumar, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH..
• Marwa K. Maki, Mainehealth Maine Medical Center.
• Ashok Krishnaswami, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA.
• Mehdi H. Shishehbor, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH..
• Farshad Forouzandeh, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH... Electronic address: Forouzandeh@case.edu.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-20-2026

Institution/Department

Cardiology

Journal Title

The American journal of cardiology

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and a major driver of healthcare spending. Combined direct costs such as hospitalizations, procedures, and medications with indirect costs from lost productivity and caregiving exceed $500 billion each year and are expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2035. Wide cost variation across health systems underscores inefficiencies and inequities. Women, older adults, and racial and ethnic minorities bear a disproportionate financial burden, which worsens existing health disparities. In conclusion, addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, equitable access, value-based care, and reduction of waste through streamlined administration and fair pricing. Sustainable strategies are essential to improve outcomes, contain costs, and narrow disparities as the prevalence of CVD continues to rise.

Comments

Marwa K Maki- Fellow

Recommended Citation

Nikoo, Maedeh Zokaei; Kumar, Sundeep; Maki, Marwa K.; Krishnaswami, Ashok; Shishehbor, Mehdi H.; and Forouzandeh, Farshad, "The Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the United StatesAuthors" (2026). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 4468.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/4468