Cholesterol Breakthrough: ₹20 Daily Meds for Heart Patients

A new, cost-effective oral medication regimen has demonstrated remarkable success in helping heart patients achieve their cholesterol targets. A study conducted at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow revealed that a combination of three daily medications, costing around ₹20, significantly lowered bad cholesterol levels in nearly 85% of patients who had undergone stenting.

This three-drug combination, comprising rosuvastatin, ezetimibe, and bempedoic acid, proved effective for patients whose cholesterol remained high despite conventional treatments. After 48 weeks, 84.8% of participants achieved low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels below 70 mg/dL, with 69.6% reaching below 55 mg/dL. The treatment also showed a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Significantly, this oral therapy presents a more affordable option compared to injectable treatments, which can cost up to ₹3.5 lakh annually. The daily oral regimen costs approximately ₹7,200 per year. While some patients experienced increased uric acid levels, the combination is considered beneficial for those not responding to standard care. However, the study did not assess its impact on reducing repeat heart attacks.