GLP-1: more than a weight loss drug

A newer class of medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists, are showing promise for helping improve cardiac issues. These medicines were originally developed for diabetes care and management, but most recently have started to change how doctors think about heart health (and other medical issues). 

GLP-1 (which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar) drugs have become very popular. Semaglutide (sold under the brand names of Wegovy® and Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (known as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®) mimic hormone behavior to help the body produce more insulin in order to slow digestion and reduce appetite. This is why they have been effective for helping to treat both type 2 diabetes and excess weight. 

However, a growing body of evidence suggests that GLP-1 drugs don’t just aid in weight loss and blood sugar management. They have also been demonstrated to help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels. These effects help reduce, as one example, the dangerous buildup of plaque in arteries. This is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition linked to both heart attacks and strokes. GLP-1 drugs may also improve how blood vessels function and reduce “oxidative stress,” the presence of too many free radicals in the body which can damage healthy cells over time. These reasons and more are why cardiologists have come to see these medications in a different light for aiding patients with chronic illnesses.

To help test theories on how and why GLP-1s may be effective for patients facing heart issues, clinical researchers have been rolling out and reporting on numerous clinical trials. In 2024, the FDA approved the usage of semaglutide in patients at high risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiac issues. This decision was based on the results of a clinical trial which showed a statistically significant reduction in major cardiovascular events when the drug was added to the standard treatment approach. Another recent study that used real-world data from over 90,000 individuals found that GLP-1 drugs reduced hospitalizations by 40% in people with a common form of heart failure known as ‘heart failure with preserved ejection fraction’ (HFpEF), which is often seen in those managing both obesity and diabetes.

As with any medication, GLP-1 drugs come with the potential for side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal in nature. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation may be experienced in the early days of treatment. These symptoms often improve as the body adjusts over time. More serious but less common side effects risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, dehydration, and kidney problems. It’s important to note that not everyone responds the same way. And while the long-term safety profile looks promising, more research is needed (and underway).

GLP-1 drugs are redefining the treatment landscape for cardiometabolic disease. Instead of medicating or treating one condition at a time (in silos), these medications target the shared pathways of illness. That means that a single treatment has the potential to treat and/or prevent multiple, and serious, chronic diseases.

If you’re living with heart disease or are at risk, talk to your doctor about whether GLP-1 medications might be right for you. As more data emerges, these drugs may become a larger part of heart disease prevention and treatment plans.