Today, a group of experts in the world of heart health is discussing the latest data about the benefits of the multi-pill, which was recently launched in Lebanon after it was only available in Europe and America.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for half of all deaths in Lebanon. Thus, controlling the risk factors that cause these heart diseases is paramount.
Despite the well-established effectiveness of the drugs and treatments used, poor adherence to their use by patients reduces their usefulness and reduces their preventive results, which contributes significantly to the exacerbation of diseases and deaths at the population level.
Today's event at the Phenicia Hotel brings together several cardiologists and internists to discuss strategies for preventing these diseases.
The motive behind this event is to keep medical personnel informed of problems affecting prevention and sustainable treatment.
It also discusses ways to benefit from the multi-pill to ensure that patients continue to take their medications.
The multi-pill includes a blood-thinning drug (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) in addition to a cholesterol drug (Atorvastatin) and a blood pressure drug (Ramipril).
They should be considered an integral part of a comprehensive cardiovascular prevention strategy.
Patients who have previously had a heart attack or stroke are usually advised to take these three preventive medications.
Professor Pablo Perez from Spain says that the pills used separately are really an essential treatment to be given to any patient who has suffered from a heart attack.
Perez is the principal investigator for an international study that compared the combination of the pill and conventional care (the three drugs separately) in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, the multi-pill in this study showed a significant improvement in patient's adherence to their medication compared to conventional care, which was reflected in a reduction in risk factors such as blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
Replacing the three medications that are required to be taken with the multi-pill reduces the treatment bill, and reduces the cost of treatment for the patient and the guarantors.
It also provides ease of treatment, especially for the elderly who take a large number of medications.