£1.40-a-day pill may hold promise for heart patients

07 Mar 2012

A pill costing just £1.40 (around Rs110) a day can dramatically slash the number of heart failure deaths, according to researchers.

Tens of thousands of people suffering from one of the most common heart conditions could benefit with the wonder drug, which is now available to British patients.

The National Health Service would also save millions by cutting hospital admissions by a quarter, the researchers say.

One expert who had been involved in the drug's trials said it was "fantastic news for both patients and doctors," according to the Daily Express.

Professor Martin Cowie, consultant cardiologist and specialist in heart failure at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, said it would have a huge impact up and down the country.

The drug, which is being used in angina patients in the UK for years is known to be safe.