Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

12.7K

Medication adherence to secondary prevention after ischemic cerebrovascular disease: a real-world outcomes analysis

Sabrina M Stollberg1, Andri Signorell1, Andreas R Luft2,3

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zurich, Switzerland.

Frontiers in Neurology
|March 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Low adherence to secondary prevention for ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) is common, increasing risks. Improving patient compliance with medications like lipid-lowering drugs is crucial for better outcomes and reduced mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) represents a significant global health challenge.
  • Non-adherence to secondary prevention strategies for ICD leads to recurrent events and increased disability.
  • Real-world data on medication adherence for secondary prevention of ICD is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess adherence rates to secondary preventive medications in patients with ICD.
  • To evaluate the impact of medication adherence on clinical outcomes in ICD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study using Swiss health insurance claims data (2017-2021).
  • Included 9,911 patients aged 18+ hospitalized for ICD.
  • Medication adherence measured by medication possession ratio (MPR ≥ 0.80 for high adherence).
  • Outcomes included all-cause death, recurrent stroke, nursing home admission, and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

  • High adherence rates varied: lipid-lowering drugs (63.2%), antihypertensives (55.4%), antiplatelets (50.0%).
  • Female patients showed significantly lower adherence to lipid-lowering drugs compared to men.
  • High adherence to lipid-lowering drugs was associated with reduced all-cause death (HR 0.86).
  • Direct oral anticoagulants and antihypertensives showed a trend towards a protective effect with high adherence.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial number of patients exhibit low adherence or are non-users of essential secondary preventive medications for ICD.
  • Insufficient secondary prevention is linked to increased mortality.
  • Enhanced awareness and improved patient compliance are necessary to mitigate risks associated with ICD.
Abstract

Keywords:
cardiovascular outcomeischemic cerebrovascular diseasemedication possession ratiosecondary preventionstroke recurrence

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
545
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
837
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
576
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
398
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
436
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
560