Semaglutide and Your Cardiovascular Health
Semaglutide, is an injectable medication used to help manage weight in individuals with obesity or overweight who have underlying health conditions. Recent studies have explored whether this medication could also have benefits in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with cardiovascular disease and weight issues.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with obesity being a well-established risk factor, as it is associated with:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Insulin resistance
- Inflammation.
Finding effective treatments to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease is a critical area of research.
Semaglutide and Heart Health: The Research
The STEP 4 trial, which focused on evaluating the cardiovascular outcomes of semaglutide in individuals with cardiovascular disease and obesity, provides important insights into the potential benefits of this medication.
The trial included participants with a history of cardiovascular disease (such as prior heart attack or stroke) and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher. Participants were randomized to receive either weekly injections of semaglutide or placebo, in addition to lifestyle interventions to promote weight management. The primary outcome of the study was a composite of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke.
The results showed a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events in participants who received semaglutide compared to those who received placebo. The data indicated a slight difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke between the two groups. However, when looking at the overall reduction in cardiovascular risk in those treated with semaglutide, it suggested a potential benefit of the medication in this high-risk population.
Semaglutide: How It Works
The mechanism by which semaglutide may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events is believed to be multifactorial. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the actions of the naturally occurring gut hormone GLP-1. These medications have several beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including:
- Improving glucose control
- Reducing blood pressure
- Promoting weight loss
- Potentially reducing markers of inflammation
- Lowering oxidative stress
The weight loss associated with semaglutide treatment reduces strain on the heart, improves blood pressure and lipid profiles, and decreases the risk of diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
John Sharretts, M.D., director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research had the following comments:
“Semaglutide is now the first weight loss medication to also be approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke. Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health.”
(Read about my personal semaglutide experience here.)
Semaglutide: What It Means for Your Cardiovascular Health
The medication’s mechanism of action, including its effects on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors, make it a promising option for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health in addition to managing their weight.
As always, individuals considering the use of semaglutide should talk with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach based on their individual health needs and risks.
