AstraZeneca's Tropol XL helps heart condition, increases chance of stroke

LONDON According to a new study, AstraZeneca’s hypertension drug Toprol XL, increases the danger of stroke or death when given before surgery to prevent heart complications, as reported by Bloomberg.

The study looked at over 8,300 patients at risk for cardiac complications who were having an operation that didn't involve the heart. While the drug reduced the chance of a heart attack, the increased possibilities for death and stroke may outweigh its usefulness, the researchers said in The Lancet.

Hypertension drugs such as Toprol XL, help the heart beat slower and with less force, are routinely given to high-risk patients undergoing operations. The research showed the drug more than doubles the threat of stroke and increases the likelihood of death by about 33 percent, the scientists wrote. The medicine prevented 15 heart attacks, the researchers said.