Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
  • 2 Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • 3 Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 Global Medical Affairs, Asia-Pacific region, Pfizer Australia, West Ryde, NSW, Australia
  • 5 Medical Affairs, Pfizer Pte Ltd, Singapore
Vasc Health Risk Manag, 2018;14:91-102.
PMID: 29872306 DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S158641

Abstract

Poor adherence to statin therapy is linked to significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and death. Unfortunately, adherence to statins is far from optimal. This is an alarming concern for patients prescribed potentially life-saving cholesterol-lowering medication, especially for those at high risk of cardiovascular events. Research on statin adherence has only recently garnered broader attention; hence, major reasons unique to adherence to statin therapy need to be identified as well as suggestions for countermeasures. An integrated approach to minimizing barriers and enhancing facilitation at the levels of the patient, provider, and health system can help address adherence issues. Health care professionals including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses have an obligation to improve patient adherence, as routine care. In order to achieve sustained results, a multifaceted approach is indispensable.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.