Poor adherence increases mortality and CV deaths

Poor adherence to medication regimens accounts for almost one-in-ten cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, according to a meta-analysis of 44 studies encompassing 1,978,919 adults. On the other hand, good adherence (taking at least 80% of the medication) with any CVD medication reduced the risk of a CVD event by 20% and all-cause mortality by 38%.

Overall, 54% of patients showed good adherence with statins, 59% with antihypertensives, 69% for antidiabetic medications and 70% for aspirin. Good adherence with statins, antihypertensives and aspirin reduced the risk of a CVD event by 15%, 19% and 40% respectively and all-cause mortality by 45%, 29% and 55% respectively. No relationship emerged between adherence to antidiabetic medications and all-cause mortality.