Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the United States and affect around 50% of the population, it is important to understand the financial burden of treatments. Whether it's receiving medications to regulate heart health or heart surgery to prevent heart failure, the cost of treatments are expensive and will place financial burdens on families. 

The Cost of Hospitalizationn:

According to a 2024 research study on the cost of CVD (cardiovascular disease) hospitalization in the United States, the estimated annual cost of CVD hospitalization varied from $11,971 to $1,086,914. All CVD hospitalization costs grew in years, with peripheral vascular disease increasing by $10,000 between 2012 to 2018.

CVD is the most expensive condition in the United States, costing about $100 billion per year.

Specifics: Across the top 20 US hospitals (Published in 2022)

Echocardiogram (ECG) - Measures the electrical activity of the heart

Cost: Ranges from $204 to $2588

Stress Test - Evaluates blood supply through the performance of a physical activity 

Cost: Ranges from $463 to $3230 

Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) - Thin tube inserted into the right chambers to detect pulmonary hypertension

Cost: Ranges from $2821 to $9382

Coronary Angiogram - Uses X-Ray to look at the coronary arteries (blood vessels)

Cost: Ranges from $2868 to $9203

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) - Opens blocked coronary arteries to prevent plaque buildup

Cost: Ranges from $657 to $25,521

Pacemaker Implantation - Implantation of a small device to regulate slow heartbeats with electric currents

Cost: Ranges from $506 to $20,002

You might be asking: Can’t insurance companies cover the cost? 

Insurance companies can’t guarantee coverage as they have to mutually agree with the hospitals on negotiated prices. Additionally, reduced costs aren’t necessarily cheaper than individually paying the cost. For example, a PCI at the Mayo Clinic cost around $20,000 with and without the negotiated price. 

These prices do not include the in-hospital patient care and other treatments that might come with treating the patient. 

The Cost of Cardiovascular Care/Treatments

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