Clinical Impact of the Polypill for Cardiovascular Prevention in Latin America: A Consensus Statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology

Abstract

The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing, particularly in low-middle-income countries such as most of Latin America. This region presents specific socioeconomic characteristics, generating a high incidence of CVD despite efforts to control the problem. A consensus statement has been developed by Inter-American Society of Cardiology with the aim of answering some important questions related to CVD in this region and the role of the polypill in cardiovascular (CV) prevention as an intervention to address these issues. A multidisciplinary team composed of Latin American experts in the prevention of CVD was convened by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology and participated in the process and the formulation of statements. To characterize the prevailing situation in Latin American countries, we describe the most significant CV risk factors in the region. The barriers that impair the use of CV essential medications are also reviewed. The role of therapeutic adherence in CV prevention and how the polypill emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, accessibility, and affordability in the treatment of CVDs are discussed in detail. Clinical scenarios in which the polypill could represent an effective intervention in primary and secondary CV prevention are described. This initiative is expected to help professionals involved in the management of CVD and public health policymakers develop optimal strategies for the management of CVDs.

El control de la hipertensión arterial, una asignatura pendiente

“…Este documento de consenso también subraya la importancia de desarrollar fármacos eficaces y económicamente asequibles y la necesidad de establecer directrices para poblaciones específicas, como los ancianos, los pacientes con ictus, etc. ( 18 ).…”

Latin American Consensus on management of residual cardiometabolic risk. A consensus paper prepared by the Latin American Academy for the Study of Lipids and Cardiometabolic Risk (ALALIP) endorsed by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), and the Pan-American College of Endothelium (PACE)

“…Obesity, physical inactivity, inadequate diet, alcohol abuse, and smoking are enhancing risk factors to consider for evaluation in patients with CM risk and in the assessment of RCR (IA) 24,[73][74][75][76][77] .…”

Considerations and Guidance for the Structure, Organisation, and Operation of Cardiometabolic Prevention Units: A Consensus Statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology

“…1. Simplify the therapeutic scheme by reducing the number of tablets per day using polypills that include the drugs already prescribed in the original patient's therapeutic plan, as CV polypills have demonstrated improved risk factor control [20]. 2.…”