Compliance as the major effectiveness determinant in preventive acetylsalicylic acid therapy

Abstract

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most effective methods for CVD event prevention. In a substantial proportion of the patients, however, long-term preventive ASA treatment compliance is low (44-71%). Low compliance is associated with reduced antiplatelet effects of ASA and a 2-3-fold increase in the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and other cardiovascular events. ASA therapy compliance could be improved by achieving better collaboration between doctors and patients, while educating patients and explaining the importance of following the doctors’ advice. In addition, enteric-coated ASA forms could play an important role in improving treatment tolerability and, therefore, increasing compliance. Other potentially effective measures include the use of modern packaging (calendar blisters) and information technologies (telephone communication, MGMM).