New Delhi: Heart disease, which today looms like a shadow over millions of families around the world, may not be as scary anymore. Researchers at American pharmaceutical company Lilly have discovered a drug that can dramatically reduce the risk of hereditary heart disease. This discovery has brought a ray of hope not only to scientists but also to families where this disease has been running for generations. Can this drug really reduce the number of heart patients? Let’s get deeper into this research.

Drug wonder: Risk reduction by 94%

Lilly tested a 400 mg dose of its new drug on 141 patients, and the results were shocking. The research found that this drug reduced the risk of hereditary heart disease in newborns by 94%. This means that the chances of heart disease at birth became almost negligible. Steven Nissen, lead researcher of this study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, says, “This drug effectively reduces the level of lipoprotein (A) in the blood, which is a major cause of heart disease. This is a revolutionary step for us.” Lipoprotein (A) is considered the ‘hidden enemy’ of the heart. It is as dangerous as bad cholesterol, but till now no specific medicine was available to control it. This research has taken a big step towards filling that gap. Global burden of heart disease According to the World Health Organization, about 1.4 billion people around the world are suffering from heart disease. In many of these cases, hereditary factors play an important role. In countries like India, where the problem of heart disease is common in families, this disease takes a toll not only on health, but also on emotional and economic levels. Ajay Sharma, 45, a resident of Delhi, says, “Both my father and uncle had heart disease. I am always afraid that my children may also get it. If this drug really works, it will be a great relief for us.”

Beyond existing treatments

Drugs like statins are available in the market to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), but their effect on lipoprotein (A) is limited. This new drug promises to overcome this shortcoming. Researchers say that this drug not only reduces the risk, but can also add a new dimension to the prevention of heart disease. Cardiologist Dr. Ramesh Thakur explains, “Lipoprotein (A) levels are determined from birth and are difficult to change. If this drug is successful on a large scale, it will prove to be a game-changer in the prevention of heart disease.”

The journey is still ahead

Although this discovery is encouraging, the drug is still some time away from coming to the market. Currently it is undergoing further clinical trials. Experts estimate that if these trials are successful, it could be commercially available in the next two-three years. A Lilly spokesperson said, “We want to make this drug available to patients as soon as possible, but confirmation of safety and effectiveness is necessary first.”

Future hope

This research is a positive sign amid the increasing cases of heart disease. If this drug comes in the market, it will be no less than a boon for families suffering from hereditary heart disease. Health expert Dr. Anita Verma says, “This is not just a drug, but a hope for a new life for millions of people. Seeing a reduction in the number of heart patients in the coming days can be a big dream, which is now close to reality.”

What do patients say?

38-year-old Reena Kapoor from Mumbai, who has a history of heart disease in her family, says, “I am worried about my children. If this drug can really reduce the risk, it will be a big thing for people like me.” His sentiments are the voice of millions of people who live under the shadow of this disease.

Final View

Lilly’s drug has brought a new light in the fight against heart disease. The claim of a risk reduction of up to 94% is not only a scientific breakthrough but also a hope for humanity. Will this discovery really be able to reduce the number of heart patients? This question still depends on the results of the tests. How do you see this new discovery? Share your opinion with us.