A new study from scientists at Tehran University of Medical Sciences brings hopeful news for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
The researchers found that a low-cost drug combination, called a “polypill,” can lower the risk of these serious heart problems, especially in places where access to healthcare is limited.
The polypill combines four common medicines into a single pill: two drugs to lower blood pressure, one to lower cholesterol, and a low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots.
Many people, especially in developing countries, find it hard to manage heart health because of the high cost and confusion of taking several medications every day. This can lead to missed doses and poor treatment outcomes.
The idea behind the polypill is simple: make treatment easier by putting several helpful drugs into one pill. This way, patients are more likely to take their medicine regularly and protect their hearts more effectively.
In the study, the researchers followed about 6,800 people in Iran between the ages of 50 and 75. Some had already had heart problems, and others had not. Everyone in the study received advice on healthy living, but only half were given the polypill to take regularly.
The polypill used in the study included:
– Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg), a medicine that helps lower blood pressure by removing extra salt and water from the body.
– Aspirin (81 mg), a blood thinner that helps prevent clots that can cause heart attacks or strokes.
– Atorvastatin (20 mg), a drug that lowers bad cholesterol levels.
– Enalapril (5 mg), another blood pressure-lowering medicine.
After five years, the results were impressive. Only 6% of people in the polypill group had a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. In comparison, 9% of people in the group that did not take the polypill experienced such events.
This means the risk was 34% lower for those taking the polypill. Even after adjusting for other medications people might have been taking, the risk was still reduced by 22%.
The most encouraging finding was that people who consistently took the polypill had a 70% lower chance of suffering a major heart event. This shows how powerful the medication can be when taken as prescribed.
Interestingly, the biggest benefit of the polypill seemed to come from the cholesterol-lowering drug, atorvastatin. The blood pressure changes were not as strong. This suggests that reducing cholesterol might be especially important for preventing heart problems.
This simple pill could be a game-changer for developing countries, where many people do not have regular access to doctors or medications.
For people in wealthier countries, the benefits might be less dramatic since many already use similar medications with the help of their doctors. Still, the polypill provides an easy, affordable option for improving heart health worldwide.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of making heart treatment simpler and more accessible. By combining four proven medications into one pill, the polypill may help people live longer, healthier lives—especially in areas with limited healthcare resources.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about This vaccine could reduce risks of heart disease, stroke in older people and How napping influences your heart health.
For more information about heart health, please read studies about Scientists find a heart disease treatment safer than aspirin and The hidden link between gum disease and heart health.
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