A new study has revealed that using a mix of two affordable and widely used medications—statins and ezetimibe—soon after a heart attack can lower the risk of future heart problems or death. This simple treatment could save many lives and ease pressure on healthcare systems worldwide.
Big Benefits From Early Dual Therapy
The study, led by experts from Imperial College London and Lund University in Sweden, found that patients who took both statins and ezetimibe within 12 weeks of a heart attack had better health outcomes than those who only took statins. These two drugs work together to reduce bad cholesterol, which is a major cause of heart disease.
Statins are already a common treatment for people at risk of heart disease. They work by lowering cholesterol made in the liver. Ezetimibe, on the other hand, reduces cholesterol absorption from food. It’s usually added later if statins alone don’t lower cholesterol enough. But this new research shows that combining them early can help even more.
Professor Kausik Ray from Imperial College’s School of Public Health, who led the study, said, “This study shows we could save lives by prescribing two low-cost drugs. Yet patients around the world are not receiving this combination.”
He stressed that updating care guidelines to include this dual therapy could prevent many avoidable deaths.
Data From 36,000 Patients
The research team used health records from 36,000 patients in Sweden who had suffered heart attacks between 2015 and 2022. They compared three groups:
- Patients who started statins and ezetimibe within 12 weeks
- Patients who began ezetimibe between 13 weeks and 16 months
- Patients who took statins alone
Using advanced modelling to recreate the effects of a clinical trial, the researchers found that those who took both drugs early had fewer repeat heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. The benefits were strongest among those who also reached their cholesterol targets.
Ray added, “This simple change in how we treat patients could have a huge effect—not just on public health, but also on healthcare budgets. Adding ezetimibe costs about £350 per patient per year. That’s much less than the cost of treating more heart attacks later.”
Doctors Often Cautious With Drug Combos
Many doctors are slow to prescribe two medications right after a heart attack. They worry about giving patients too many drugs at once or causing side effects. But the study’s results suggest those worries may not apply in this case.
Margret Leosdottir, a senior cardiologist from Lund University, said that combining statins and ezetimibe is safe and effective. “Both medications work well together, have few side effects, and are already available and affordable in many countries,” she said.
She added that the current cautious approach might be outdated, especially with such clear evidence supporting early dual therapy.
Changing Guidelines Could Save Lives
The study’s authors now want health organizations around the world to rethink current heart attack treatment plans. They believe guidelines should be updated to include dual therapy as a standard part of care.
Leosdottir said, “This could prevent unnecessary suffering and save lives.”
She hopes the results will help doctors feel more confident about prescribing both medications right after a heart attack. By doing so, healthcare providers can better protect their patients from having another attack or stroke.
A Step Toward Smarter Heart Care
Heart attacks are a major health problem worldwide. In many countries, they are the leading cause of death. While treatments have improved over the years, heart attacks still cause long-term damage and often lead to more health problems later.
By using this simple dual therapy, doctors could help patients recover better and live longer. It also shows how using existing drugs in smarter ways can make a big difference.
The study was published ahead of peer review, but the strong data and expert support are already making waves in the medical world.
Note: This article is based on research findings and expert comments. Always speak with a healthcare provider before making changes to your medication.