The cost-effectiveness of a cardiovascular multiple-risk-factor intervention programme in treated hypertensive men.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to carry out a cost-effectiveness analysis of a multifactorial intervention programme in treated hypertensive patients.


METHODS
A cost-effectiveness analysis based on 3 years of follow-up in an open, randomized, parallel-group study with allocation either to a comprehensive, multiple-risk factor modification programme or to conventional treatment.


METHODS
An outpatient clinic of a city hospital.


METHODS
Inclusion criteria were: male sex, age 50-72 (mean 66.4) years, treated hypertension and at least one of the following: serum cholesterol > or = 6.5 mmol L-1, and/or smoking and/or diabetes mellitus. A total of 508 patients were included in the study.


METHODS
Advice given to individuals, and group meetings based on nutritional advice and behavioural treatment principles. If necessary, drug therapy could be instituted to achieve the treatment goals in the intervention group: serum total cholesterol of < 6.0 mmol L-1, no smoking, HbAlc < 6.0% and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg in both groups.


METHODS
Incremental cost per life-year gained of the intervention programme.


RESULTS
The cost per life-year gained was SEK 4000 in an estimation based on the observed risk reduction and ranged between SEK 62,000 and SEK 163,000 in three estimations based on the risk factor changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis indicates that the intervention programme is cost-effective in the studied patient population.
Johannesson
M
M
Centre For Health Economics, Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden.
Agewall
S
S
Hartford
M
M
Hedner
T
T
Fagerberg
B
B
D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000191:economics; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013548:Sweden; D026712:Value of Life
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents