“Three-in-one” pill points to better hypertension treatment: Aussie study

A new medical pill has significantly helped more patients hit blood pressure targets than conventional medication, pointing to better treatment of hypertension worldwide, according to latest Australian-led trials.

The low-dose "three-in-one" pill helped 70 percent of patients to lower their blood pressure compared to just over half receiving normal care, the George Institute for Global Health said in a statement on Wednesday explaining its trial.

It's estimated more than a billion people globally suffer from high blood pressure with the vast majority having poorly controlled blood pressure, said the institute's Dr Ruth Webster.

"Our results could help millions of people globally reduce their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke," said Webster.

The trial involved giving hypertension patients three drugs, each at half dose, in a single pill for early treatment of high blood pressure. Traditionally, patients begin treatment with one drug at a very low dose, which is increased over time with additional drugs added and increased in dosage to try to reach targets.

Patients are brought back at frequent intervals to see if they are meeting their targets with multiple visits required to tailor their treatments and dosage, said Webster, adding that the new approach is much simpler.

The findings, published via medical research platform JAMA, are set to change guidelines in the field globally, said the institute.