Impact of compliance with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering treatment on cardiovascular risk Benefits of fixed-dose combinations

Despite the favorable impact of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering treatment on cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, patient compliance is frequently poor in clinical practice even in high risk popula- tions. This leads to worsening of clinical outcomes and higher long-term healthcare costs. Several measures have been proposed to improve compliance. Single-pill formulations that would contain various drugs treating CV risk factors can improve the compliance and lead to a long overdue reduction in vascular events. The aim of this review is to emphasize the lack of compliance with prescribed lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs along with its impact on CV mortality and morbidity and present the benefits of fixed-dose combinations in regard to patient compliance and CV risk.