The prospect of a cheap universal polypill to prevent heart disease in middle-aged people has become less likely after the results of the first detailed study of its use showed it did cut heart risk but by less than originally envisaged, while the rate of side effects was higher than expected.
The study leader of the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, said the results meant the universal heart pill would be more suited to people already at risk of heart disease than as a preventive measure for those who were healthy.
The all-in-one polypill combines components that lower blood pressure and cholesterol with blood-thinning aspirin at a cost of about $2 a month.
The study leader of the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, said the results meant the universal heart pill would be more suited to people already at risk of heart disease than as a preventive measure for those who were healthy.
The all-in-one polypill combines components that lower blood pressure and cholesterol with blood-thinning aspirin at a cost of about $2 a month.
in the fisrt study of the cardio - polypill , 378 people in several countries took the combined pill or a placebo for 12 weeks, the first time its benefits and side-effects had been closely studied.
That scientific study found those taking the active drug reduced their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to a degree consistent with halving their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
But in relation with the klassic medicine were also 33 per cent more likely to stop the heart therapie because of side-effects including upset stomach and gastric bleeding, cough, dizziness or low blood pressure.
This meant the polypill would be more suited to people at elevated risk of heart disease because of their personal or family history, rather than being prescribing widely to people when they turned 55.
But in relation with the klassic medicine were also 33 per cent more likely to stop the heart therapie because of side-effects including upset stomach and gastric bleeding, cough, dizziness or low blood pressure.
This meant the polypill would be more suited to people at elevated risk of heart disease because of their personal or family history, rather than being prescribing widely to people when they turned 55.
