The article presents an overview of data on polymorbidity. It is shown that aging is a major risk factor for polymorbidity, and that polymorbidity associated with higher rates of mortality, disability, side effects of treatment, increased use of health care resources, and lower quality of life. The issues of effective treatment for people with multiple chronic diseases are discussed. The necessity of clinical trials involving patients with multiple chronic diseases, and the development of new clinical guidelines, which could be considered by clinicians in the treatment of polymorbid patients, is emphasized.

Keywords: Ariadne principle, de-prescription, therapeutic competition, polymorbidity, polypharmacy, drug interactions, comorbidity