"Long-Term Cardiovascular Benefits of Bariatric Surgery and Polypill for Hypertension"

Former CDC Director Tom Frieden highlights the global impact of hypertension, the "silent killer," and urges a shift in focus towards prevention and treatment strategies. The concept of a daily "polypill" containing low-dose generic blood pressure medicines, a statin, folic acid, and possibly low-dose aspirin has shown promising results in reducing heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths. Despite evidence supporting its effectiveness, reluctance from leading doctors, the pharmaceutical industry, and federal decision-makers persists. A large U.S.-based clinical trial is needed to further validate the polypill's potential for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, potentially saving millions of lives if embraced by the U.S. and adopted globally.