New Delhi, Jul 28 (NationPress) A study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has revealed that utilizing a single pill that combines two blood pressure medications is a safe and extremely effective method for managing hypertension in South Asian populations, particularly among Indians.

This research, conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) and Imperial College London, UK, evaluated three commonly prescribed drug combinations: amlodipine plus perindopril, amlodipine plus indapamide, and perindopril plus indapamide.

In the first randomized trial assessing three distinct two-drug combination pills targeting South Asians, more than 1,200 patients with uncontrolled hypertension participated across 32 hospitals in India.

According to the study, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine, "All three combinations demonstrated equal efficacy in lowering blood pressure and were safe for patients."

Results indicated that any of the two-drug combinations resulted in a notable decrease in blood pressure after 6 months — approximately 14/8 mmHg when monitored over 24 hours and around 30/14 mmHg in clinical settings.

“Almost 70 percent of patients achieved blood pressure control, marking a significant enhancement over the current national average. Furthermore, the pills proved to be safe and user-friendly. This research provides clear direction for improved hypertension management,” stated Dr. Ambuj Roy, a Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS Delhi.

“This research indicates that a single daily pill containing two drugs can serve as a straightforward and effective solution for managing blood pressure in Indian and South Asian patients,” remarked Dr. Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC.

High blood pressure (hypertension) stands as the foremost risk factor for mortality globally, impacting over 300 million individuals in India alone. Early and effective treatment can avert serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

Healthcare providers frequently recommend initiating treatment with two medications in a single pill to enhance blood pressure control and assist patients in adhering to their treatment plans. However, no extensive study had previously evaluated which combinations were most effective for South Asians, who constitute a quarter of the global population.

The findings revealed that nearly 70 percent of patients using any of the dual drug therapies achieved the recommended blood pressure target of below 140/90 mmHg — five times greater than the current control rate in India.

Fewer than 3 percent of patients experienced side effects severe enough to discontinue treatment.

“These findings can provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers. If incorporated into India’s essential medicines list and made available at primary health centers, these pills could significantly enhance blood pressure management in the country,” Prabhakaran added.