Modelling the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. Between 2016 and 2035, the number of adults (nationals) in Saudi Arabia with CVD will more than double, going from 201,300 to 479,500. Two conditions—ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD)—are responsible for around 80 per cent of all CVD deaths.

In Modelling the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Saudi Arabia, the economic burden of CVD is approached from two perspectives: the direct costs of delivering health care services and their impact on the public health care system, and the indirect costs from productivity losses, which impact the broader society and economy. The costs of health care and lost productivity will almost triple, going from US$3.5 billion in 2016 to US$9.8 billion by 2035. Without additional measures to mitigate the impact of population aging and modifiable risk factors, the burden of CVD in Saudi Arabia will only continue to grow.