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One study found that a miracle pill containing four different medications reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke (stroke) by one-third.
The "polypill" includes a statin, aspirin and two antihypertensive drugs in one.
The researchers believe that patients, tired of taking a handful of pills a day, will be happy to receive it.
The study analyzed data for 6,838 people aged 50 and over in Iran followed for five years. Some have received daily advice on fixed-dose polypill and a healthy lifestyle. Others have only received tips on their healthy lifestyle.
Those who took polypill reduced their risk of major cardiovascular disease by 34%.
The study also found that the pill was safe and effective in people with and without a history of cardiovascular disease.
It reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40% in people with no history and by 20% the risk of other incidents among those who had previously suffered.
Benefits were 57% for volunteers who thought they would take the pill regularly.
The trial was conducted by the University of Medical Sciences of Tehran and the University of Birmingham.
"Our results showed a significant reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events in the polypile group," said Professor Reza Malekzadeh, of Tehran.
"Since the risks of side effects from the components are very low and the potential benefits are very high, the polypill is very safe.
"But polypill is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle and must be associated with physical activity, healthy eating and smoking cessation."
Scientists have not compared the effect of taking a single pill to taking four drugs individually. But the benefits should be comparable.
The results are published in the medical journal The Lancet.
"Patients who take statins and blood pressure medications might find it more convenient to take one tablet a day," added Professor Tom Marshall of the University of Birmingham.
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