More than 40 medical organizations and experts from health institutions across Latin America, including Brazil, are calling for non-adherence to chronic disease treatments, such as diabetes and hypertension, to be recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. This initiative is detailed in a document titled 'Recommendations from Latin American Experts on Therapeutic Adherence and Inertia in Cardiovascular Care and their Impact on Public Health'.

The document consolidates the consensus of 43 experts in the region and is backed by 275 scientific references, including cohort studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It primarily addresses prevalent cardiovascular and metabolic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, highlighting the critical need for improved treatment adherence among the population.

The implications of recognizing non-adherence as a risk factor are significant as they suggest potential shifts in public health policy and clinical practices. In an era where non-communicable diseases are on the rise, prioritizing adherence could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs, ultimately benefiting patients and health systems across the region.