Pharmac's being urged to fund a polypill that could save hundreds of people from heart attacks and strokes

It combines three drugs and was approved by Medsafe in 2017.

University of Auckland and Otago researchers say only 57 percent of people with these conditions are taking all the medications they need to prevent heart disease or stroke.

Lead author Doctor Vanessa Selak says there's a lot of evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of combining medications.

She says it's very disappointing the polypill isn't funded in New Zealand so patients can benefit from it.