Polypill 'halves stroke and heart disease risk'

A four-in-one combination pill has been shown to halve the risk of stroke and heart disease, according to researchers.

Findings published in journal PLoS One showed that long term use of the polypill could halve the risk of the cardiovascular conditions, but that side effects were more common that predicted, indicating the medication would be best utilised by those with a raised risk of the conditions.

The polypill, to be taken once a day, contains aspirin and agents to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. While each drug is currently used separately, experts believe that combining them into one pill would enable people to take their medications more reliably.

Dr Ted Bianco, director of technology transfer at the Wellcome Trust, which provided core funding for the trial, said: "It is good news, indeed, to see the evidence base grow for the potential use of a new generation of combination products as a safe and affordable option in the battle against heart attack and stroke."

This follows news that stroke patients who underwent physical therapy at home recovered their walking ability as well as people who took part in a high-tech training programme, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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