The impact of co-morbidities on the wealth of people with heart disease

[Extract] The overall health status of an individual with cardiovascular disease is complex, with the majority of people suffering from one or more additional health conditions [1], [2] and [3]. However, no studies assessing the economic burden of heart disease have considered the impact that having multiple health conditions may have on the indirect economic impacts to those with cardiovascular diseases. This letter presents the results of a study assessing the difference in the value and type of wealth held by people with heart disease who also have co-morbid chronic health conditions. This paper focuses upon people within the 45 to 64 year age group as it is during this stage of the life cycle that most of an individual's lifetime wealth accumulation occurs.