Examining the Use of a Polypill in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of death worldwide. To address the global burden of CVD and its risk factors, the polypill, an all-in-one therapy that combines multiple existing medications for preventing CVD and reducing CVD events (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, beta-blocker, statin, or aspirin) into a single combination pill, has emerged as a potential strategy to improve CVD prevention. Clinical trials on the polypill have found that polypill use is associated with significant reductions in CVD events and risk factors in both patients with established CVD and at risk of developing CVD, suggesting a potential benefit in primary and secondary CVD prevention. The polypill has also been demonstrated to be a cost-effective therapy that may potentially increase treatment accessibility, affordability, and availability particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Further, patients on polypill therapy have shown high rates of treatment compliance, with significant improvements in medication adherence for patients with low baseline compliance. Given its potential advantages and benefits, the polypill may become a promising therapy for the prevention of CVD.