One in five deaths in the year following a heart attack could be prevented thanks to a new anti-clotting drug called ticagrelor, research suggests.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield took part in a clinical trial involving more than 18,000 patients in over 40 countries around the world.
Original results were unveiled in 2009, and showed that ticagrelor was more effective than the standard treatment clopidogrel at reducing the risk of death and preventing further heart attacks.
The drug is now known to be just as effective in over-75s as it is in younger patients.
Robert Storey, professor of cardiology at Sheffield's department of cardiovascular science, presented his latest findings at the British Cardiovascular Society's annual meeting.
He said: 'Our new findings really highlight the universal applicability of the treatment ... [and] provide yet further evidence in support of making the drug available to patients in the UK.'
Ticagrelor was authorised for use in the UK in December 2010 and was described by Judy O'Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, as a 'welcome addition to the group of drugs used to treat heart attacks'.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is expected to issue guidance on the use of ticagrelor in the autumn.
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