Experts Propose NHS 'Polypill' to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes

A daily pill combining statins and blood pressure drugs could replace NHS health checks for over-50s, researchers suggest.

Researchers from University College London advocate for a 'polypill' to prevent cardiovascular diseases in individuals over 50.
The pill combines a statin and three blood pressure-lowering drugs, potentially reducing heart attack and stroke risks by up to a third.
A 2019 study in The Lancet demonstrated significant benefits of the polypill, with minimal side effects and improved prevention outcomes compared to current NHS health checks.
The proposed program would require only 8% uptake to outperform the existing NHS health check system, which has low participation rates.
Experts suggest the polypill could be a cost-effective, population-wide strategy, aligning with the government's focus on preventative healthcare.