New research presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions has shown promising results for the GLP-1 medication semaglutide in improving heart health. Semaglutide, which is found in the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, has been traditionally prescribed for diabetes and obesity but is now being studied as a potential treatment for cardiovascular disease.
The research presented at the conference highlighted that patients treated with semaglutide had a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, symptoms of heart failure, specifically heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, also improved with the use of semaglutide.
The studies were sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy. One study, known as the SELECT trial, included over 17,000 participants from 41 countries. It found that patients who took semaglutide had a 20% reduced overall risk of cardiovascular events, a 28% reduced risk of heart attack, and a 7% reduced risk of stroke. The semaglutide group also experienced significant weight loss, improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and A1C.
Another study published in Circulation investigated the use of semaglutide to improve symptoms of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The trial included 529 participants and found that those treated with semaglutide experienced significant improvements in heart failure symptoms, weight loss, physical limitations, and exercise function.
While the results of these studies are promising, it's important to note that the research was sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the drugs being studied. Cost and accessibility are also potential barriers for individuals seeking this treatment.
Overall, the research suggests that semaglutide may have positive effects on cardiovascular health and heart failure. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of semaglutide as a treatment option.