Potential Benefits of GLP-1s for Cardiovascular Health

Disclaimer: This content is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with a healthcare professionals.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Furthermore, those with type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to the risk of cardiovascular disease¹.The FDA has recently approved certain GLP-1s for cardiovascular benefit indications and uses based on studies conducted within the last few years².

Studies on glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) for cardiovascular health have shown promising results, demonstrating their potential benefits beyond glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

These studies have focused on various aspects of cardiovascular health, leading to significant advancements in our understanding of GLP-1’s effects on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

Multiple studies have shown GLP-1’s ability to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with T2DM¹.

Key positive heart benefits suggested from research conducted in these studies include:

• Reducing oxidative stress
• Reducing blood pressure
• Improving blood lipid levels
• Stimulating the production of nitric oxide
• Antiatherogenic effects (preventing or inhibiting plaque buildup in the arteries)
• Anti-inflammatory effects

Studies have also shown a positive impact on kidney outcomes in patients with T2D compared to placebo. However, understanding GLP-1s mechanisms, full potential, and optimal clinical use will require more research¹.

Potential Benefits for patients with obesity or are overweight

GLP-1s have also shown potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes for patients living with obesity or are overweight. According to research done on the clinical trials pertaining to GLP-1s in these patients, compared to a placebo, there was a reduction in:

• MACE
• All-cause death
• Myocardial infarction
• Revascularization

There was no difference in cardiovascular death or stroke.

It’s notable that total adverse events, gallbladder and gastrointestinal-related disorders were higher in GLP-1 groups³.

FDA Approvals

Based on the results of cardiovascular (CV) risk, the FDA has updated the product labeling for several GLP-1s:

• Ozempic® (semaglutide): approved for reduction of CV risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
• Wegovy® (semaglutide): approved for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with established CV disease and are obese or overweight. ^3,4
• Victoza® (liraglutide): approved indication for reduction in MACE for patients with T2DM and established cardiovascular disease³
• Trulicity® (dulaglutide): approved indication to reduce the risk of MACE or multiple cardiovascular risks in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease or multiple CV risk factors.³

Ongoing Research

While significant progress has been made in understanding the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to:

1. Fully elucidate the clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of these protective benefits⁵
2. Explore the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of GLP-1s in conditions with elevated stroke risk factors ⁵
3. Evaluate implications for patients diagnosed with T2DM, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation ⁵
4. Examine the potential benefits of GLP-1s in patients with complex cardiometabolic conditions ⁵
5. Some researchers suggest the drug be assessed for long-term efficacy and safety of GLP-1s for long-term durations, particularly beyond three years⁶

As research continues, these medications may play an increasingly important role in managing cardiovascular health in diabetic patients.

Clinical Implications

The FDA’s approval of GLP-1RAs for cardiovascular benefits represents a significant advancement in diabetes management.

Healthcare providers now have additional options for treating T2DM patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, potentially improving long-term outcomes and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population.

GLP-1s through Empower Pharmacy

For years, millions of patients and clinics have trusted Empower Pharmacy for their GLP-1 prescriptions. Our large-scale capacity, streamlined compounding, and commitment to excellence allow Empower to create accessible, high-quality compounded GLP-1s*.

*Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA and are not tested by the FDA for safety and efficacy.