The economic burden of congestive heart failure in a managed care population.

Abstract

Congestive heart failure represents a significant financial burden within a non-elderly managed care population. Improved management of the condition is needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality, as well as the costs of treatment, associated with CHF. Considerable data indicate that drugs such as beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of CHF. Further investigation is needed into whether increased use of prescription pharmaceuticals may reduce hospitalization rates and overall costs for CHF in this setting.