A new study suggests that combining two inexpensive drugs—statins and ezetimibe—soon after a heart attack could significantly reduce the risk of further heart problems, including second heart attacks, strokes, and even death.
Researchers from Imperial College London and Lund University in Sweden found that this combination therapy, though widely available, is not being routinely offered to patients globally, reports The Guardian.
High risk in first-year post-attack
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with heart attacks being the most common life-threatening event. Survivors face their highest risk of a second attack within the first year due to the heightened sensitivity of blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of blood clot formation.
Study shows strong evidence for immediate treatment
The research analysed medical data from 36,000 Swedish patients who experienced heart attacks between 2015 and 2022. Using advanced statistical methods to simulate clinical trials, scientists compared outcomes among three groups: patients who received both drugs within 12 weeks of the heart attack, those who received ezetimibe later, and those who were treated only with statins.
Results showed that those who received the combination therapy early and managed to lower their cholesterol to target levels had a significantly lower risk of future cardiovascular events and death.
Call to update global guidelines
“This study shows we could save lives with a simple, low-cost intervention,” said Professor Kausik Ray of Imperial College. He emphasized that the failure to routinely use this combination is leading to avoidable deaths and unnecessary costs for health systems.
Ezetimibe is already widely available and affordable, with an estimated yearly cost of just £350 per patient—much cheaper than long-term treatment for repeat heart attacks.
Hope for global policy change
Dr. Margret Leosdottir, a senior consultant at Skåne University Hospital, stressed that global treatment guidelines need to shift. Despite fears of side effects, she noted that the drug is generally well-tolerated and widely accessible. “Not prescribing this therapy early,” she warned, “increases the risk unnecessarily.”
The researchers hope these findings will prompt immediate changes in global post-heart attack care, offering a life-saving yet affordable solution.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
