ABSTRACT
Background: Secondary prevention programs are an essential part of comprehensive care of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and its effectiveness in reducing morbidity or mortality has been proved. Aim: To determine the cost-effectiveness of a theoretical comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) outpatient program after Myocardial Infarction, to be implemented in a Chilean Public Health System. Material and Methods: We designed a theoretical protocol of a CCR program based on recommendations of international guidelines, but adapted to local needs. A cost analysis was developed. Life years due to premature death were estimated with and without participation in CCR. The gained life-years and cost-effectiveness of the program were thus calculated. Results: The annual cost of cardiac rehabilitation center is $ 64,407,065 Chilean pesos (CLP). The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) considering a reduction of late mortality of 25%, is $ 475,209.7 CLP per year of life gained. Since this figure is lower than one unit of per capita gross domestic product, the intervention is considered very cost-effective. Conclusions: A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program after myocardial infarction is very cost-effective in the context of its implementation in a public health service.