Deprescribing in Cardiovascular Disease: A New AHA Roadmap for Tackling Polypharmacy

In this episode of The Tell-Tale Heart, host Craig Beavers, PharmD, welcomes back Robert J. DiDomenico, PharmD, FAHA, chair of the writing committee behind a new American Heart Association scientific statement on deprescribing in patients with cardiovascular disease experiencing polypharmacy. DiDomenico explains that polypharmacy, generally defined as taking 5 or more medications, affects roughly 60% of patients with cardiovascular disease and up to three-quarters of those with heart failure, contributing to adverse events, poor adherence, and increased hospitalizations. He outlines 4 patient groups who warrant closer evaluation: those experiencing adverse drug events, polypharmacy or hyperpolypharmacy, prescribing cascades, and those receiving palliative or end-of-life care.