Comparison with previous polypill studies.

*Estimated rather than observed risk factor reductions and side effects. Predictions for formulation without folic acid. **Not estimable for TIPS due to lack of placebo control and side effects not reported reliably in Malekzadeh et al trial (see Discussion). Side effects ‘causing any symptoms’ refers to those observed in 12 weeks treatment for current trial and predictions for both short and long term treatment by Wald and Law. This excess was estimated at 8% for a formulation containing a thiazide, angiotensin II receptor blocker and calcium channel blocker and 15% for a formulation containing a thiazide, beta-blocker, and ACE inhibitor.