(NC)-Cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer in Canada. In fact, one in five of all deaths each year are from coronary artery disease, the most common manifestation of heart disease. Despite medical advances, far too many men and women continue to die prematurely from this deadly disease. Many people may know they have coronary disease yet feel quite well until suddenly they are struck down by a heart attack. New treatment strategies are badly needed.

Common heart pill enhances survival hopes

An important international heart study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, showed that patients with coronary artery disease who add the safe and inexpensive blood pressure drug perindopril (Coversyl®) to their existing treatment can significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks and heart related deaths. In fact, perindopril (Coversyl®) reduced the risk of heart attacks and death by 20 per cent even in patients considered relatively low risk. "This is a major step forward and will have important implications in the future management of coronary disease" said Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, Director of Clinical Research, Associate Professor of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute. "For the first time we have a drug that not only treats hypertension (high blood pressure), but also improves the outcome of patients with coronary disease."

Researchers estimated that the addition of perindopril could prevent 50,000 heart attacks and deaths in Canada over the next four years. The doctors concluded that, "treatment with perindopril, on top of other preventive medications should be considered in all patients with coronary heart disease."

For more information, talk to your doctor or visit www.europa-trial.org.

- News Canada
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News Canada