Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Quick Links
Q&A Treatments A-Z Help Center Community guidelines Crisis Accessibility
Resources
Emotional Well-Being Heart Disease Information Heart Disease Symptoms and Side Effects Heart Disease Treatments Living with Heart Disease All Resources
About MyHeartDiseaseTeam
What is MyHeartDiseaseTeam Terms of Use Privacy policy
Powered By
See answer

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

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
    Voiceover
    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
  • Voiceover
    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
    Voiceover
    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
    Voiceover
    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
    Voiceover
    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.
  • Enter Cell 2 Content Here...
  • Enter Cell 3 Content Here...
  • Enter Cell 4 Content Here...
  • Enter Cell 5 Content Here...
  • Enter Cell 6 Content Here...

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.

RELATED QUESTIONS

  • How common is heart disease? See answer
  • Can heart disease cause shortness of breath? See answer
  • What do I need to do differently now that I have heart disease? See answer
  • How does living with heart disease affect mental health and stress? See answer
Posted on October 3, 2024
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Vedran Radonić, M.D., Ph.D. completed medical school and his Ph.D. at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. Learn more about him here.
Raelle Brown is the video producer at MyHealthTeam, where she leads, organizes, and writes about a wide range of events. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

Is Coconut Oil Safe for People With Heart Disease?

Coconut oil is often promoted for its health benefits, but its effects heart disease are still de...

Is Coconut Oil Safe for People With Heart Disease?

Coconut oil is often promoted for its health benefits, but its effects heart disease are still de...
read article >

5 Foods To Avoid When You Have Heart Disease

If you’ve had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, like atrial fibr...

5 Foods To Avoid When You Have Heart Disease

If you’ve had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, like atrial fibr...
read article >

What To Know About Congenital Heart Disease and Down Syndrome

Every parent wants their child to live a happy, healthy life. But for parents of children with Do...

What To Know About Congenital Heart Disease and Down Syndrome

Every parent wants their child to live a happy, healthy life. But for parents of children with Do...
read article >

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease: What’s the Connection?

If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, you may find it frustrating or embarrass...

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease: What’s the Connection?

If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, you may find it frustrating or embarrass...
read article >

7 Ways To Monitor Your Heart Health at Home

If you live with heart disease, it’s normal to want to know how your heart is doing all the time,...

7 Ways To Monitor Your Heart Health at Home

If you live with heart disease, it’s normal to want to know how your heart is doing all the time,...
read article >

VA Disability Rating for Ischemic Heart Disease: What Veterans Should Know

Veterans have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who have not served in ...

VA Disability Rating for Ischemic Heart Disease: What Veterans Should Know

Veterans have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who have not served in ...
read article >

Recent Articles

3 Layers of COVID-19 Protection: New Vaccines, Prevention Drug, and Tests

This fall and winter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the number of ...

3 Layers of COVID-19 Protection: New Vaccines, Prevention Drug, and Tests

This fall and winter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the number of ...
read article >

Which Animals’ Heart Valves Are Used in Valve Replacement Surgery?

If you’re living with a heart disease, you know there are many treatment options to consider. Alo...

Which Animals’ Heart Valves Are Used in Valve Replacement Surgery?

If you’re living with a heart disease, you know there are many treatment options to consider. Alo...
read article >

Neuropathy After Heart Surgery: Causes and Treatments for Nerve Damage

After your heart surgery, your focus is on healing and keeping your heart healthy. However, if yo...

Neuropathy After Heart Surgery: Causes and Treatments for Nerve Damage

After your heart surgery, your focus is on healing and keeping your heart healthy. However, if yo...
read article >

Understanding How the Heart Affects the Respiratory System

The heart and lungs work closely together to keep your body healthy and functioning. If you have ...

Understanding How the Heart Affects the Respiratory System

The heart and lungs work closely together to keep your body healthy and functioning. If you have ...
read article >

What Is Structural Heart Disease?

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood to the rest of your body. Structural heart disease is...

What Is Structural Heart Disease?

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood to the rest of your body. Structural heart disease is...
read article >

Can Heart Failure Affect the Kidneys?

Your heart and your kidneys may seem like unlikely partners, but they accomplish more together th...

Can Heart Failure Affect the Kidneys?

Your heart and your kidneys may seem like unlikely partners, but they accomplish more together th...
read article >

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: