Increasing appreciation for the role of single-pill combinations for the prevention of atherosclerotic disease: a pro-polypill polemic

Abstract

The polypill concept for atherosclerosis is based on the notion that a single pill containing multiple products that attack frequently encountered risk factors will provide important advantages as a preventive strategy, particularly in the developing world. Potential benefits include improved efficacy and greater compliance because of simplicity and reduced costs. Here, we briefly review the rationale for the polypill and the evidence supporting its value. We consider the polypill to be a major advance in combat against cardiovascular disease, with enormous benefits to global health to be expected from its use.