Ageing population to increase NHS costs
Ageing patients will impose considerable workload and financial pressures on the NHS, according to a recent article in the BMJ (2005;331:1362).
The number of people with chronic conditions, including cardiovascular
diseases, is likely to increase with the predicted 53 per cent increase
in the number of people aged 65 and over between 2001 and 2031.
Examining the possible impact of this increase in the ageing population,
researchers predict that by 2031 cases of coronary heart disease, heart
failure and atrial fibrillation will increase by 44 per cent, 54 per
cent and 46 per cent respectively.
The researchers say that, if realised, these increases will have important
implications for the NHS.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for a significant proportion of
NHS spending, and the predicted increase in the prescribing of statins,
that is already the largest component of the NHS prescribing budget,
will further add to the financial burden. As well as increases in drug
costs, other costs to consider include those of diagnostic tests, surgical
procedures and regular monitoring of patients by general practitioners,
cardiologists and nurses. Furthermore, new medical technologies may have
a large impact on future caseloads.
The researchers say that since obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure
all increase the risk of heart disease, government policy should be to
promote a healthy lifestyle, encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating
and smoking cessation.
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Hospital Pharmacist