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Reconsidering the Polypill for Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Underserved Patients

  • Ischemic Heart Disease (D Mukherjee, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The recent publication of “Polypill for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in an Underserved Population” study prompts a thoughtful review of known care disparities in cardiovascular disease management in underserved patients. A polypill approach as a population health solution to this complex problem should also be reviewed.

Recent Findings

Muñoz and colleagues open-label, randomized controlled trial of polypill vs. usual care was undertaken in minority patients at a federally qualified health center. The polypill, containing atorvastatin, amlodipine, losartan, and hydrochlorothiazide resulted in statistically significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein levels (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Summary

The significant results of this study demonstrate the ability of a polypill approach to safely lower blood pressure, lipids, and thus estimated 10-year risk of CVD and are consistent with findings observed in previous literature. Uniquely, findings in a largely non-Hispanic Black patient population, offer an opportunity to examine this approach to combat important disparities in care in an underserved U.S. community. Further outcomes-based studies are warranted to explore the validity of these results and long-term safety of polypill treatment and are likely necessary prior to FDA approval and availability of a polypill product.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 789 S. Limestone Street, TODD 223, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Tracy E. Macaulay

  2. Cardiology Clinical Pharmacist, ProMedica Toledo Hospital/Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, Toledo, OH, USA

    Erica Sheridan

  3. Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacist – Heart Failure, UofL Health-Jewish Hospital, Louisville, KY, USA

    Sara Ward

Authors
  1. Tracy E. Macaulay
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  2. Erica Sheridan
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  3. Sara Ward
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Correspondence to Tracy E. Macaulay.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Ischemic Heart Disease

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Macaulay, T.E., Sheridan, E. & Ward, S. Reconsidering the Polypill for Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Underserved Patients. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 19 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01448-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01448-9

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