New research suggests that GLP-1 weight loss drugs not only help with weight loss and blood sugar management, but may also have significant long-term benefits for heart health.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) looked at data from more than 90,000 participants in a large international clinical trial. Their analysis found that people taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists had a significantly lower risk of serious cardiovascular problems compared to people taking a placebo.
The survey results are Cardiovascular Diabetology — Endocrinology Report.
Long-term cardiac protection confirmed
Researchers looked at the results of 11 major cardiovascular outcomes trials that followed patients for at least one year. Participants were monitored for an average of nearly three years.
Across studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by approximately 13%. These events include heart attacks, strokes, and deaths related to cardiovascular disease.
This analysis is particularly important because it focuses on the long-term effects of the drug rather than its short-term consequences. The researchers also found that the cardiovascular benefits existed regardless of whether the patient had diabetes.
People taking the drug were also less likely to die from any cause during the study. Additionally, patients who took the drug had lower rates of nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes, and hospitalizations for heart failure.
Benefits seen in high-risk patients
The strongest effects were observed in people who were already considered to be at high cardiovascular risk, such as those who were obese, had type 2 diabetes, or had pre-existing heart disease.
GLP-1 receptor agonists include widely used drugs such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. These drugs have attracted much attention in recent years because they are effective in treating obesity.
The review found no significant increases in major safety risks, such as severe hypoglycemia or acute pancreatitis, compared with placebo. However, gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting remain common, the researchers noted, and are already well understood with these drugs.
Researchers say the findings could shape future medical care
Lead author Dr Simon Koch, Chair of Physiology at Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine, said: “This is the most comprehensive review to date of long-term cardiovascular outcome trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists. We know that one of the factors that weighs on people’s minds when considering the use of these drugs is their potential long-term side effects.”
“Our results show that when taken long-term, for at least a year, these drugs not only help control blood sugar levels and weight, but also significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and premature death in already vulnerable people.
“We found that the benefits were consistent across different drugs, trial designs and patient groups. This has important implications for clinical practice and health policy, especially given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK.”
“These drugs have the potential to become an important part of medical strategies, especially for people with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing heart disease. If these drugs can be used earlier and more widely in the population, they could help prevent thousands of serious cardiovascular events.”
