GLP-1, commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, could have an even greater benefit by preventing thousands of heart attacks and strokes in the United States each year, new research suggests. According to the study, These drugs have the potential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events, saving an estimated 34,000 lives annually.
This finding is significant, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the US, and managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity is crucial for preventing heart attacks and strokes.These drugs, originally developed to help regulate blood sugar levels, are showing promise in reducing these cardiovascular risks, offering a new approach to tackling heart disease.
What Are GLP1 Drugs?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are a class of medications that mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally produced in the intestines. This hormone plays a role in stimulating insulin production and lowering blood sugar levels after eating. GLP1 drugs are primarily prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. Popular GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
The Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease is a common complication of diabetes. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease due to high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels over time. Additionally, many individuals with diabetes also have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.The link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease makes it critical to find effective treatments that can address both blood sugar control and heart health.
Research on Cardiovascular Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs
The study used predictive models to estimate the potential reduction in heart attacks and strokes if GLP-1 drugs were more widely prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
According to the researchers, expanding the use of GLP1 drugs could prevent up to 34,000 heart attacks and strokes annually in the US. This estimate is based on data showing that GLP1 drugs can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by approximately 14-26% compared to standard diabetes treatments.
The study’s findings suggest that GLP1 drugs may offer substantial benefits not only for people with type 2 diabetes but also for individuals with obesity or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, even if they do not have diabetes.
Reducing the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for roughly 1 in 4 deaths each year. Heart attacks and strokes are two of the most common cardiovascular events, and both are largely preventable through lifestyle changes and effective medical treatments.
The findings of this research have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. By increasing access to GLP1 drugs and expanding their use in high-risk populations, it may be possible to significantly reduce the public health burden of cardiovascular disease in the US.
Expanding Access to GLP-1 Drugs
Although GLP-1 drugs have demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits, their use remains limited due to high costs and accessibility challenges. These medications can be expensive, with some costing upwards of $1,000 per month, which puts them out of reach for many individuals without adequate insurance coverage.
Advocates for expanding access to GLP-1 drugs argue that the potential cost savings from preventing thousands of heart attacks and strokes each year could offset the high cost of the medications. Widespread use of these drugs could reduce healthcare costs associated with managing the long-term consequences of cardiovascular disease, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and ongoing care.
