Living with Heart Disease/Living with Heart Disease

Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for People With Heart Disease? 3 Facts To Know (VIDEO)

Medically reviewed by Vedran Radonić, M.D., Ph.D.

Written by Raelle Brown

Posted on October 3, 2024

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Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for People With Heart Disease?

Fact #1: GLP-1s Can Contribute To Heart Health
Fact #2: Clinical Trials Confirm Heart-Positive Effects
Fact #3: GLP-1 Drugs Have Possible Side Effects

Transcript

00:00:00:00 - 00:00:25:20
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GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic) and heart disease: 3 facts to know.
GLP-1 drugs are medications used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin production and slowing down digestion. They are also known for promoting weight loss, but are they safe for people with heart disease? Here are three facts you need to know. Fact number one, GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) can contribute to heart health in several ways.
00:00:25:22 - 00:00:55:03
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Proven benefits, such as weight loss and better glycemic control, significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Having better control on body weight and diabetes are the key reasons for cardiovascular health improvement on GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 drugs are currently being researched to prove that they can reduce inflammation. These drugs can help lower inflammation in the blood vessels, which can decrease the risk of cardiovascular issues.
00:00:55:07 - 00:01:30:03
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They can also improve blood vessel function, helping blood vessels dilate properly, improving blood flow. Some GLP-1 drugs may also help lower blood pressure, which is another factor in heart disease prevention. Fact number two, clinical trials have confirmed the heart-protective effects of GLP-1 drugs. For example, one trial showed that a GLP-1 drug reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, and nonfatal stroke by 26 percent in people with type 2 diabetes.
00:01:30:05 - 00:02:02:07
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Future studies will provide more insights into how these drugs can be used to enhance cardiovascular health across different patient populations. Fact number three, considering possible side effects of GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) with heart disease are important. Common side effects with GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, and depression. Rare, but serious risks like pancreatitis, severe heart failure, and thyroid tumors may also occur.
00:02:02:09 - 00:02:15:10
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It’s crucial to look for these risks and side effects, and tell your doctor about any new symptoms you may notice. Learn more and connect at MyHeartDiseaseTeam.com.

You may have noticed a lot of headlines about medications like semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) prescribed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Could this drug made for type 2 diabetes be a game changer for heart disease too?

This two-minute video will explain what glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs are and share three facts about whether they are safe and effective for people with heart disease.