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 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.