NHS approves lifesaving pill

The new pill, costing just £1.40 a day, could save thousands of people living with a common heart condition.

Ivabradine improves pumping ability and slows the heart rate.  Studies show that about 1 in 5 people with heart failure could benefit from the new treatment, which should be available in just 3 months.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the NHS drug rationing body, believes the drug will not only save lives but improve the quality of life for those living with chronic heart failure.

A heart failure specialist at Royal Brompton Hospital, said, “Heart failure is a very common problem and this is good news for a large number of patients.  We have results showing ivabradine not only improves symptoms and prevents disease progression, but also helps patients return to normal daily activities and increases their enjoyment of life.”

Plans are for the drug to be prescribed to people with worsening conditions despite using current medication, or those who cannot tolerate these other drugs.