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Researchers propose NHS-wide statin rollout for over-50s
Researchers have suggested that the NHS offer statin-based polypills to everyone over 50 to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. The proposed approach, which combines a statin with blood pressure-lowering drugs, could be more effective than the NHS Health Check system, requiring only a small uptake to deliver significant health benefits.
Experts argue that current methods fail to identify many at risk, as most heart attacks and strokes occur in people with average risk levels. A simple, population-wide strategy, they suggest, could prevent far more cases than the existing targeted approach.
Source: The Telegraph, 5 March 2025
Editorial note: We're including this story because smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Tackling smoking remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cardiovascular disease and other diseases. Public health strategies should ensure that smoking cessation support is integrated alongside medical prevention efforts to maximise impact.
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NHS seeks views on 10-Year Health Plan
A new survey has been launched on Change.NHS.uk to gather feedback on ideas emerging from the engagement process for the 10-Year Health Plan. The questionnaire seeks insights from both staff and potential patients on their priorities for change.
Partners are encouraged to help boost responses to ensure a broad range of views are captured.
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Cigarette waste linked to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
A study from TUD Dresden University of Technology has found that pollutants from cigarette smoke and waste contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in both the environment and the human lung. The research, conducted with international partners, highlights how discarded cigarette filters become breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, which can then spread through water systems.
Smoking also accelerates the transfer of resistance genes between bacteria in the lungs, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics for future infections. These findings reinforce the need for stricter controls on cigarette waste disposal and further highlight the hidden health risks of smoking.
Source: Phys.org, 4 March 2025
Study: Peiju Fang et al, Effects of cigarette-derived compounds on the spread of antimicrobial resistance in artificial human lung sputum medium, simulated environmental media and wastewater, Environmental Health Perspectives (2025). DOI: 10.1289/EHP14704
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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