Common Cardiovascular Medications Research Articles

Mitochondrial Effects of Common Cardiovascular Medications: The Good, the Bad and the Mixed.

Mitochondria are central organelles in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system via the integration of several physiological processes, such as ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation, synthesis/exchange of metabolites, calcium sequestration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production/buffering and control of cellular survival/death. Mitochondrial impairment has been widely recognized as a central pathomechanism of almost all cardiovascular diseases, rendering these organelles important therapeutic targets. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported to occur in the setting of drug-induced toxicity in several tissues and organs, including the heart. Members of the drug classes currently used in the therapeutics of cardiovascular pathologies have been reported to both support and undermine mitochondrial function. For the latter case, mitochondrial toxicity is the consequence of drug interference (direct or off-target effects) with mitochondrial respiration/energy conversion, DNA replication, ROS production and detoxification, cell death signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. The present narrative review aims to summarize the beneficial and deleterious mitochondrial effects of common cardiovascular medications as described in various experimental models and identify those for which evidence for both types of effects is available in the literature.

Association between continuity of primary care and both prescribing and adherence of common cardiovascular medications: a cohort study among patients in England

ObjectivesTo investigate whether better continuity of care is associated with increased prescribing of clinically relevant medication and improved medication adherence.SettingRandom sample of 300 000 patients aged 30+ in 2017 within...

Cardio-Oncology Drug Interactions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

In the cardio-oncology population, drug interactions are of particular importance given the complex pharmacological profile, narrow therapeutic index, and inherent risk of therapies used to manage cardiovascular disease and cancer. Drug interactions may be beneficial or detrimental to the desired therapeutic effect. Clinicians in both cardiology and oncology should be cognizant of these potential drug-drug interactions that may reduce the efficacy or safety of either cardiovascular or cancer therapies. These risks can be mitigated through increased recognition of potential drug-drug interaction, use of alternative medications when possible, and careful monitoring. This scientific statement provides clinicians with an overview of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions in patients with cancer exposed to common cardiovascular and cancer medications.

Treatment With Cardiovascular Medications: Prognosis in Patients With Myocardial Injury.

BackgroundThere is no clinical guidance on treatment in patients with non‐ischemic myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI).Methods and ResultsIn a cohort of 22 589 patients in the emergency department at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden during 2011 to 2014 we identified 3853 patients who were categorized into either type 1 myocardial infarction, T2MI, non‐ischemic acute and chronic myocardial injury. Data from all dispensed prescriptions within 180 days of the visit to the emergency department were obtained concerning β‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins, and platelet inhibitors. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI for all‐cause mortality in relationship to the number of medications (categorized into 0–1 [referent], 2–3 and 4 medications) in the groups of myocardial injury. In patients with T2MI, treatment with 2 to 3 and 4 medications was associated with a 50% and 56% lower mortality, respectively (adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.50 [0.25–1.01], and 0.43 [0.19–0.96]), while corresponding associations in patients with acute myocardial injury were 24% and 29%, respectively (adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.76 [0.59–0.99] and 0.71 [0.5–1.02]), and in patients with chronic myocardial injury 27% and 37%, respectively (adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.73 [0.58–0.92] and 0.63 [0.46–0.87]).ConclusionsPatients with T2MI and non‐ischemic acute or chronic myocardial injury are infrequently prescribed common cardiovascular medications compared with patients with type 1 myocardial infarction. However, treatment with guideline recommended drugs in patients with T2MI and acute or chronic myocardial injury is associated with a lower risk of death after adjustment for confounders.

15146 Effect of concomitant common cardiovascular medications on efficacy of sonidegib 200 mg daily in patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma: Results of the 42-month randomized, double-blind BOLT study

Introduction: Sonidegib, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, is approved for treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy. This post hoc analysis of the pivotal BOLT studyincluded objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) per investigator review in laBCC patients taking concomitant common cardiovascular (CV) medications.

Abstract 17252: Rates and Predictors of Co-Prescribing Common Interacting Cardiovascular Medications in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Introduction: Amiodarone and diltiazem are commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who take direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). They are known to have drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with DOACs, increasing serum levels of DOACs by 40-60%, and potentially increasing risk of bleeding. Objective: To evaluate frequency of use of amiodarone or diltiazem among continuous users of DOACs in AF patients and assess factors associated with their use. Methods: The study population included all AF patients with continuous DOAC use in Ontario, Canada, ≥66 years, from April 1 2017 to March 31 2018. We used linked databases housed at ICES, Ontario. DOAC fill dates and days supplied per prescription were used to determine treatment durations. A maximum gap of 30 days between prescriptions was allowed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of prescribing amiodarone or diltiazem among AF patients on DOACs. Results: In total, 5390 AF patients, ≥66 years, with continuous DOAC use were identified. Amiodarone was co-prescribed in 343 (6.4%) patients and diltiazem was co-prescribed in 604 (11.2%) patients. The presence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) significantly increased the odds of co-prescribing amiodarone among AF DOAC patients (OR 2.52 [95% CI 1.55, 4.10], p=0.0002 and OR 5.19 [95% CI 3.46, 7.80], p= <0.0001, respectively). The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with significantly increased diltiazem co-prescription among AF DOAC patients (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.28, 1.87], p=<0.0001) when adjusted for important patient-level factors (Tables 1&2). Conclusions: Among AF patients with continuous DOAC use, the presence of PCI or CABG was associated with increased amiodarone co-prescription. Future efforts should focus on examining the risk of bleeding in these vulnerable populations exposed to major DOAC DDIs.

Association Between the Risk for Cardiovascular Events and Antiviral Treatment for Herpes Zoster.

Cardiovascular risk increases following herpes zoster. We investigated whether treatment with antiviral agents, steroids, and common cardiovascular medications was associated with the risk of postherpetic cardiovascular events. This was a nationwide population-based, retrospective, cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service health claims data in Korea. We included patients with a first-ever diagnosis of herpes zoster in 2003-2014 and no prior cardiovascular event. The primary outcome was the occurrence of composites of myocardial infarction (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code I21) and stroke (codes I60-I63) since the herpes zoster. We analyzed the exposure (intravenous or oral administration) to antiviral agents, steroids, antithrombotics, and statins within ±7 days from the index date of herpes zoster diagnosis. Follow-up was performed until occurrence of the primary outcome, death, or 31 December 2015, whichever came first. Of 84 993 patients with herpes zoster, the proportions of patients who received the treatment with antiviral agents, steroids, antithrombotics, and statins were 90.5%, 48.0%, 9.1%, and 7.9%, respectively. During the mean (standard deviation) follow-up period of 5.4 (3.1) years, 1523 patients experienced the primary outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that treatment with antiviral agents (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, .71-.95) and statins (0.71; .59-.85) were significantly associated with the lower risk of primary outcome. Use of antithrombotics and steroids were not associated with the risk. After herpes zoster, treatment with antiviral agents was significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. We need more information on the cardiovascular protective role of herpes zoster treatments.

Comparison of Discounted and Undiscounted Cash Prices for Cardiovascular Medications by Type of US Community Pharmacy.

Cash prices for prescription drugs vary among community pharmacies in the USA. GoodRx is a discount platform that provides coupons for use in community pharmacies without a membership requirement. Analytical pharmacy is a new type of pharmacy that tests drugs before dispensing to verify medication quality. To compare undiscounted and GoodRx-discounted cash prices for common cardiovascular (CV) drugs by pharmacy type. A cross-sectional study. GoodRx-discounted and GoodRx-undiscounted cash price data; analytical pharmacy cash price data (all data collected in July 2020). GoodRx cash price data for 30 units of 41 generic and 16 brand-name common cardiovascular medications at mass merchandiser, regional supermarket, two national chains, and analytical pharmacy (only one of its kind in the USA). The average (SD) undiscounted generic CV medication cash price was $42.41 (44.1). The average GoodRx-discounted generic CV medication cash prices were $11.01 (8.6), $9.88 (6.7), $17.85 (10.5), and $21.73 (14.1) in mass merchandiser, supermarket, and two national chain pharmacies, respectively. The average generic CV medication cash price was $20.84 (25.7) at the analytical pharmacy. The average (SD) undiscounted brand-name CV medication cash price was $368.33 (127.00). The average GoodRx-discounted brand-name CV medication cash prices were $269.16 (118.1), $258.84 (108.6), $270.28 (118.4), and $274.60 (122.50) for mass merchandiser, supermarket, and two national chain pharmacies, respectively. The average (SD) brand-name CV medication cash price was $365.12 (116.20) at the analytical pharmacy. GoodRx-discounted cash prices of generic CV medications were significantly lower than undiscounted cash prices at supermarket, massmerchandiser, and national chain pharmacies. Analytical pharmacy cash prices too were significantly lower than traditional pharmacy undiscounted cash prices. GoodRx-discounted prices for brand-name CV medications did not differ significantly from undiscounted cash prices and between pharmacy types.

Cardiovascular medications and regulation of COVID-19 receptors expression

IntroductionEmerging epidemiological studies suggested that Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors may increase infectivity and severity of COVID-19 by modulating the expression of ACE2. MethodsIn silico analysis was conducted to compare the blood expression levels of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes between age and gender matched cohort of hypertensive patients versus control, and to determine the effect of common cardiovascular medications on the expression of COVID-19 receptors in vitro using primary human hepatocytes. ResultsThe transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant increase of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the blood of patients with hypertension. Treatment of primary human hepatocytes with captopril, but not enalapril, significantly increased ACE2 expression. A similar pattern of ACE2 expression was found following the in vitro treatments of rat primary cells with captopril and enalapril. Telmisartan, a second class RAAS inhibitors, did not affect ACE2 levels. We have also tested other cardiovascular medications that may be used alone, or in combination with RAAS inhibitors. Some of these medications increased TMPRSS2, while others, like furosemide, significantly reduced COVID-19 receptors. ConclusionsThe increase in ACE2 expression levels could be due to chronic use of RAAS inhibitors or alternatively caused by other hypertension-related factors or presence of other comorbidities. Treatment of common co-morbidities often require chronic use of multiple medications, which may result in an additive increase in the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Our data suggest that more research is needed to determine the effect of different medications, as well as medication combinations, on COVID-19 receptors.

Perceptions of Canadian Vascular Surgeons Toward Pharmacologic Risk Reduction in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: 2018 Update

Vascular surgeons have a central role in managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding pharmacologic risk reduction in PAD and results were compared to a similar 2004 survey conducted by our group. An online questionnaire was administered to 161 active members of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. Forty-eight participants (30%) completed the survey. Recommended targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose were known by 52%, 38%, and 50% of vascular surgeons, respectively. Almost all participants recognized antiplatelet dosages and statin indications, but less than half could identify indications (29%) and precautions (44%) for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. A majority (58%) routinely evaluate risk factors in <50% of their patients. Most vascular surgeons regularly provide risk reduction counseling, but less than 10% initiate or modify antihypertensive or ACE inhibitor therapy. Compared to 2004, knowledge of targets and indications/precautions for common cardiovascular medications and frequency of risk factor assessment have not changed. Rates of counseling for diabetes control and statin prescription have improved, but remain suboptimal. Regarding newer medications with cardiovascular benefit, less than 10% would prescribe proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors if they were available. The majority of vascular surgeons rate their PAD risk reduction knowledge as average and support an up-to-date Canadian PAD guideline. Most participants believe that risk reduction therapy is best provided by family physicians and internists, but also acknowledge that vascular surgeons should be well-versed in assessing and managing risk factors in PAD. Significant knowledge and action gaps exist among Canadian vascular surgeons with regards to pharmacologic cardiovascular risk reduction in PAD. Although there is recognition that vascular surgeons are central to the medical management of patients with PAD, few routinely evaluate risk factors and prescribe medications. There is little evidence of sufficient improvement since 2004. New educational and clinical strategies are needed to improve PAD risk reduction pharmacotherapy among Canadian vascular surgeons.

Gout and the risk of Parkinson\u2019s disease in older adults: a study of U.S. Medicare data

BackgroundIn the presence of limited available data, our objective was to assess the association of gout with the risk of incident Parkinson’s disease (PD) in adults 65 years or older.MethodsWe used the 5% random sample of Medicare claims data from 2006 to 2012 to examine the association of gout with incident PD. The multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for demographics, comorbidity, and common cardiovascular disease and gout medications. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity analyses adjusted for comorbidity categorically, or individually and for additional cardiovascular comorbidities.ResultsIn a cohort study, 1.72 million Medicare beneficiaries were eligible. The mean age was 75 years (standard deviation [SD], 7.6), 58% were female, 86% were White and 37% had Charlson-Romano comorbidity index score of ≥2. We found that 22,636 people developed incident PD, 1129 with gout and 21,507 without gout. The respective crude incidence rates of incident PD were 3.7 vs. 2.2 per 1000 person-years. We found that gout was associated with 1.14-times higher hazard ratio (95% CI, 1.07, 1.21) of PD in the main analysis; findings were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. We noted that the risk differed slightly by age; ages 65–75, 75–85 and > 85 had hazard ratios of incident PD with gout of 1.27 (95% CI, 1.16, 1.39), 1.07 (95% CI, 0.97, 1.16) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.79, 1.20), respectively, but no gender or race differences were noted.ConclusionsGout was associated with a higher risk of incident PD in older adults, with the risk being significant in the age group 65–75 years. Future studies need to assess the mechanisms of this increased risk.

Gout and the risk of incident depression in older adults

We used the 5% random Medicare claims from Americans 65 years or older from 2006–2012 to examine the association of gout with the risk of developing incident (new) depression using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for demographics (age, race, sex), common cardiovascular medications, allopurinol, and febuxostat and medical comorbidity. Of the 1.69 million people, 142,596 developed depression. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, gout was independently associated with 42% higher hazard of depression in older adults, confirmed in sensitivity analyses. This finding suggests the gout patients should be screened for depression and may trigger research to assess the role of inflammation and oxidative stress pathways in older people with depression.

Gout and hearing impairment in the elderly: a retrospective cohort study using the US Medicare claims data

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether gout is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss in older adults.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUSA.Participants5% random sample of US Medicare claims 2006–2012, representative of US adults aged...

Gout and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation in older adults: a study of US Medicare data

ObjectiveTo assess the association of gout with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly.MethodsWe used the 5% Medicare data from 2005 to 2012 to assess whether a diagnosis of gout...

The European Association of Preventive Cardiology Exercise Prescription in Everyday Practice and Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool: A digital training and decision support system for optimized exercise prescription in cardiovascular disease. Concept, definitions and construction methodology.

Background Exercise rehabilitation is highly recommended by current guidelines on prevention of cardiovascular disease, but its implementation is still poor. Many clinicians experience difficulties in prescribing exercise in the presence of different concomitant cardiovascular diseases and risk factors within the same patient. It was aimed to develop a digital training and decision support system for exercise prescription in cardiovascular disease patients in clinical practice: the European Association of Preventive Cardiology Exercise Prescription in Everyday Practice and Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool. Methods EXPERT working group members were requested to define (a) diagnostic criteria for specific cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and other chronic non-cardiovascular conditions, (b) primary goals of exercise intervention, (c) disease-specific prescription of exercise training (intensity, frequency, volume, type, session and programme duration), and (d) exercise training safety advices. The impact of exercise tolerance, common cardiovascular medications and adverse events during exercise testing were further taken into account for optimized exercise prescription. Results Exercise training recommendations and safety advices were formulated for 10 cardiovascular diseases, five cardiovascular disease risk factors (type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia), and three common chronic non-cardiovascular conditions (lung and renal failure and sarcopaenia), but also accounted for baseline exercise tolerance, common cardiovascular medications and occurrence of adverse events during exercise testing. An algorithm, supported by an interactive tool, was constructed based on these data. This training and decision support system automatically provides an exercise prescription according to the variables provided. Conclusion This digital training and decision support system may contribute in overcoming barriers in exercise implementation in common cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Cardiovascular Drugs on Glycemic Control: A Review

AbstractObjective: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is steadily rising in the U.S., both in the general population and among those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding how to treat a patient with both conditions is becoming increasingly important. With multiple therapeutic options for CVD management, some medications will invariably impact glycemia in this group of patients. The concept of “DM-friendly” management of CVD is based on a treatment approach of selecting medications that do not impair glycemic control and provide equivalent cardioprotective effects. This article reviews the glycemic effects of various classes of medications commonly used to treat CVD.Methods: Data sources were all PubMed- and Google Scholar-referenced articles in English-language peer-reviewed journals from 1980 through April 2016. Studies selected could include observational studies or prospective clinical trials. Prospective clinical trials included in this review focused on investigating the association of the medication of interest with glycemic outcomes. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews were also included.Results: The data on glycemic effects were lacking for many of the medication classes and individual medications examined. However, in our review, certain beta-blockers and renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors, and select calcium channel blockers were consistently shown to have favorable glycometabolic profiles when compared with other commonly used cardiovascular therapies.Conclusion: Several commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of CVD, such as certain beta-blockers and renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibiting agents, are associated with favorable glycometabolic effects. As clinicians are more often faced with the challenge of treating patients with DM and concomitant CVD, consideration of how common cardiovascular medications may affect glycemia should be incorporated into the clinical decision making process.Abbreviations: A1C = hemoglobin A1C ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme ARB = angiotensin II receptor blocker CCB = calcium channel blocker CI = confidence interval CVD = cardiovascular disease DM = diabetes mellitus MI = myocardial infarction RR = relative risk

Cardiac drug therapy-considerations in the elderly.

Elderly individuals constitute a majority of patients encountered in current cardiovascular clinical practice. Management of these patients is a clinical challenge owing to a multitude of factors. Although medications such as statins have been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality in the general population, evidence supporting the use of these drugs in patients greater than 75 years of age is sparse. Furthermore, aging associated changes in organ function and associated comorbidities influence the pharmacokinetics of multiple medications and can potentiate drug toxicity. In this article, we review the evidence behind the use of common cardiovascular medications in elderly patients and discuss pertinent clinical challenges.

Financial Burden and Impoverishment Due to Cardiovascular Medications in Low and Middle Income Countries: An Illustration from India.

BackgroundHealth expenditures are a major financial burden for many persons in low and middle-income countries, where individuals often lack health insurance. We estimate the effect of purchasing cardiovascular medicines on poverty in low and middle-income populations using rural and urban India as an example.MethodsWe created step-up treatment regimens for prevention of ischemic heart disease for the most common cardiovascular medications in India based on their cost and relative risk reduction. Cost was measured by Government of India mandated ceiling prices in rupees (Rs. 1 = $0·016) for essential medicines plus taxes. We calculated step-wise projected incidence and intensity of impoverishment due to medicine purchase. To do this we measured the resources available to individuals as daily per-capita expenditures from the latest National Sample Survey, subtracted daily medication costs, and compared this to 2014 poverty thresholds recommended by an expert group.FindingsAnalysis of cost-effectiveness resulted in five primary prevention drug regimens, created by progressive addition of Aspirin 75 mg, Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg, Losartan 25 mg, and Atorvastatin 10 mg or 40mg. Daily cost from steps 1 to 5 increased from Rs. 0·13, Rs. 1.16, Rs. 3.81, Rs. 10.07, to Rs. 28.85. At baseline, 31% of rural and 27% percent of urban Indian population are poor at the designated poverty thresholds. The Rs. 28.85 regimen would be unaffordable to 81% and 58% of rural and urban people. A secondary prevention regimen with aspirin, hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol and atorvastatin could be unaffordable to 81% and 57% rural and urban people respectively. According to our estimates, 17% of the rural 32% of the urban adult population could benefit with these medications, and their out of pocket purchase could impoverish 17 million rural and 10 million urban people in India and increase respective poverty gaps by 2.9%.ConclusionMedication costs for cardiovascular disease have the potential to cause financial burden to a significant proportion of people in India. These costs increase the likelihood that patients will forego needed treatment and emphasize the need for programs to reduce the costs of medications for cardiovascular patients in India, including by expansion of prescription drug coverage.

Characterization of drug overdoses in an Ohio incarcerated population

Context: Literature exists about drug overdose following release of recently incarcerated individuals and mortality among prisoners in the United States, but little information exists about drug overdoses in the imprisoned population. Objective: This study aims to quantify and describe prisoner medication overdose requiring inpatient admission or assessment at a tertiary care facility and to assess the associated hospital charges. Materials and methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted on all Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction inmates who presented to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with drug overdose between 15 October 2011 and 14 October 2014. Demographic information, overdose substances, exposure reason, clinical effects, lengths of stay, outcomes, and hospital charges were collected. Results: Of the 130 patients included in the study, there were 100 intentional overdoses, 7 unintentional overdoses, 3 adverse drug reactions, and 20 unknown intentions. The most common drug in prisoner overdose was phenytoin (n = 29, 22%). While anticonvulsants were the most common drug class overall, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and cardiovascular medications accounted for equal numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Most patients exhibited multiple symptoms on arrival, most commonly neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients were seen from 21 of the 28 Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities, of which five facilities, that largely house minimum and medium security prisoners, accounted for 61% of patients sent to our institution. The total sum of charges was $2,606,942 with 55% of charges from ICU stays. Conclusion: Our study shows that drug overdoses within our incarcerated population were largely intentional overdoses of anticonvulsants, cardiovascular drugs, and antidepressants. Opportunities exist to target intentional drug overdoses that accounted for 80% of prisoner overdoses for potential cost-savings.

Adherence to common cardiovascular medications in patients with schizophrenia vs. patients without psychiatric illness

The purpose of the study was to examine whether individuals with diagnoses of schizophrenia were differentially adherent to their statin or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) medications compared to individuals without psychiatric illness. Using electronic medical record data across 13 Mental Health Research Network sites, individuals with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving two or more medication dispensings of a statin or an ACEI/ARB in 2011 (N=710) were identified and matched on age, sex and Medicare status to controls with no documented mental illness and two or more medication dispensings of a statin in 2011 (N=710). Medication adherence, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study population were assessed. Multivariable models indicated that having a schizophrenia diagnosis was associated with increased odds of statin medication adherence; the odds ratio suggested a small effect. After adjustment for medication regimen, schizophrenia no longer showed an association with statin adherence. Having a schizophrenia diagnosis was not associated with ACEI/ARB medication adherence. Compared to patients without any psychiatric illness, individuals with schizophrenia were marginally more likely to be adherent to their statin medications. Given that patterns of adherence to cardioprotective medications may be different from patterns of adherence to antipsychotic medications, improving adherence to the former may require unique intervention strategies.