New research published in JACC, the journal of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions, shows that popular anti-obesity drugs have cardiovascular benefits beyond just weight loss. The studies focus on the impact of GLP-1 medications in improving cardiac health in patients with heart failure and those who have had cardiac bypass surgery, as well as the effects of lifestyle interventions on cardiac risk biomarkers.
According to the editor-in-chief of JACC, Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, these studies highlight the potential of GLP-1-based therapies to not only help with weight loss but also improve cardiac outcomes in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease. The research shows that tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, can decrease heart size and improve cardiac structure and function in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Additionally, the studies demonstrate that semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, can improve cardiac outcomes in patients who have had cardiac bypass surgery, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, lifestyle interventions targeting weight loss have been shown to change cardiac biomarkers associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Overall, these findings highlight the potential of anti-obesity drugs and lifestyle interventions in improving cardiac health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and related conditions. The research offers hope for patients living with obesity and cardiovascular disease, providing new insights into how weight loss and treatment with these medications can benefit diverse patient populations.
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