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الوسم: preventive health

  • A Single Pill Could Prevent Thousands of Heart Attacks and Strokes

    A Single Pill Could Prevent Thousands of Heart Attacks and Strokes

    Heart disease remains the top cause of death worldwide. It raises the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, all of which can shorten lifespan and diminish quality of life. Many of these issues are connected to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, unhealthy diets, inactivity, and diabetes. Physicians often prescribe multiple medications to address these risk factors—one to lower blood pressure, another for cholesterol, and a third to prevent blood clots. While these treatments are effective, managing several pills daily can be challenging, and missed doses may lessen their effectiveness.

    Researchers from Tehran University of Medical Sciences explored whether combining common heart medications into a single tablet could simplify treatment. This single-pill approach, called a polypill, includes two blood pressure medications, a cholesterol-lowering drug, and a low dose of aspirin. The goal is that a single daily pill might improve convenience and encourage long-term adherence to therapy.

    The study involved about 6,800 adults aged 50 to 75 in Iran, some with a history of heart disease and others without. Participants received advice on healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes, but only half took the polypill each day. The medication contained 81 milligrams of aspirin, 20 milligrams of atorvastatin for cholesterol reduction, 12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure control, and 5 milligrams of enalapril, another blood pressure medication. All these drugs have been used safely for years and are readily available worldwide.

    Over five years, approximately 6 out of 100 individuals taking the polypill experienced a major heart event, compared to about 9 out of 100 among those who did not use the combined medication. This resulted in roughly a 34% reduction in the risk of serious heart problems. When considering the use of other medications, the risk reduction remained significant at about 22%. Participants who took the polypill consistently without skipping doses saw the greatest benefits, underscoring the importance of long-term adherence.

    Analysis showed that the cholesterol-lowering component contributed most to the overall protective effect. While controlling blood pressure remains important, managing cholesterol appears to have the strongest impact on preventing artery blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes.

    Such a combined pill could be especially useful in countries with limited healthcare resources. An affordable, single medication might reduce costs, streamline treatment, and help more individuals stick to their medication routines. Even in advanced healthcare systems, some patients could benefit from a simpler, more convenient treatment plan.

    Led by scientists at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the study demonstrated that merging several proven drugs into one daily pill could make heart disease prevention both easier and more effective. While healthcare providers will decide which patients are best suited for this approach, the results suggest the polypill could become a valuable tool in reducing cardiovascular events, particularly where access to healthcare is limited.

    For insights on heart health, consider exploring the best foods to strengthen your heart and how oranges might help combat obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additional helpful information includes guides on a weekly diabetes meal plan and the benefits of adding black beans to your diet.

    Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.

  • 90–120 Minutes Weekly Strength Training Could Reduce Death Risk

    90–120 Minutes Weekly Strength Training Could Reduce Death Risk

    Credit: Unsplash+



    For years, health professionals have advised regular exercise to protect the heart and boost overall wellness. Activities like walking, biking, swimming, and jogging have been popular focus points because of their proven benefits.

    Recently, a new study indicates that strength training is equally important, and even a modest amount each week can lead to significant health benefits.

    The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, tracked over 147,000 adults for nearly thirty years. Scientists aimed to determine if strength training could influence overall mortality risk and specific causes like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological conditions.


    Strength training involves exercises that challenge muscles by making them work against resistance, including lifting weights, using gym machines, carrying heavy objects, or doing body-weight moves such as push-ups and squats. These workouts build muscle mass, enhance balance, and promote strong bones.

    While many associate strength training with athletes or bodybuilders, experts increasingly recognize its importance across all age groups. Strong muscles help maintain mobility, reduce fall risk, and support independence as people age.

    To analyze long-term effects, researchers examined data from three major health studies involving doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. Participants reported their exercise routines every two years.

    The study involved a large sample—more than 147,000 men and women. Nearly half engaged in some form of strength training, with most also participating in aerobic activities.

    Throughout the follow-up, about 36,000 participants passed away. Comparing exercise habits with health outcomes revealed several key insights.

    The most notable finding was that strength training correlated with a lower risk of death. The greatest benefit was observed in individuals who performed roughly 90 to 120 minutes of strength training weekly. Within this range, participants faced a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to those who did not engage in strength exercises.

    Surprisingly, the data suggested that more isn’t always better. When weekly strength training exceeded 120 minutes, benefits plateaued rather than increased, implying that moderate, consistent effort may be most effective.

    The study also looked at specific causes of death. Those doing around 90 to 119 minutes of strength training each week had a 19% lower risk of death from heart disease and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological issues.

    With respect to cancer, the findings were a bit different. Lower amounts of strength training seemed linked to reduced cancer mortality, but larger amounts didn’t demonstrate the same pattern, indicating more research is needed to clarify this relationship.

    Another critical insight was the benefit of combining strength training with aerobic exercises. Participants who regularly did both had the lowest overall risk of death, highlighting the advantage of a balanced workout routine.

    This combination makes sense since aerobic activity improves cardiovascular health and endurance, while strength training preserves muscle mass and functional ability. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

    These results are especially relevant as populations age globally. Maintaining muscle strength becomes vital later in life because muscle tends to decline naturally with age. Muscle loss can impair daily tasks and heighten fall and injury risks.

    The researchers noted some limitations, such as reliance on self-reported exercise data, which might lead to inaccuracies. The study didn’t specify workout intensity or include all types of resistance training. Also, as an observational study, it doesn’t establish direct cause-and-effect relationships.

    Nevertheless, the large sample size and lengthy follow-up make this one of the most comprehensive studies to date on strength training and longevity. The findings reinforce that muscle-strengthening activities should be integral to a healthy lifestyle rather than optional extras.

    If muscle health matters to you, consider researching factors that cause muscle weakness in older adults and look into scientific advances aimed at reversing high blood sugar and muscle loss.

    For more health tips, check out recent studies about simple, affordable ways to keep muscles strong, and learn which vegetables are vital for maintaining muscle power.

    Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.