Heart Beat: Drug combinations best for heart disease
Heart Beat
Drug combinations best for heart disease
British researchers made a splash in 2003 when they suggested that everyone over age 55 should take a Polypill to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. This pill would contain aspirin, a cholesterol-lowering statin, the vitamin folic acid, and three blood pressure drugs — a diuretic, a beta blocker, and an ACE inhibitor.
Whether everyone needs this combination remains to be seen. Most of these drugs, though, clearly help people with heart disease. A report in the May 7, 2005, British Medical Journal suggests that the Polypill idea might be right for people with heart disease.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.