Direct healthcare costs of acute myocardial infarction in Canada's elderly across the continuum of care

The average cost per patient across a six-year care continuum was $28,169 in 2008 constant Canadian dollars. Almost three-quarters of these costs were derived from the event phase ($20,794), while pre-state and post-state costs made up 12% and 14%, respectively ($3400 and $3974). Pre-state costs per patient day were half of post-state costs ($3.11 versus $6.32 per day) when adjusted for survival. Socio-demographic characteristics including age, gender and patient's urban/rural residence, and co-morbid illnesses were key cost drivers across the phases of care. This study provides a person-centered health system perspective in the economic burden of AMI in Canada's elderly and will inform health policy related to integrated care strategies for heart disease in seniors.