Weight-Loss Drugs Help Hearts
Emerging research shows that weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic may reduce damage to the heart after an attack. Studies suggest these medications can help prevent deterioration of heart tissue, potentially improving outcomes for cardiac patients.
The cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, were confirmed in a major international study called SELECT. This trial involved 17,604 adults who were overweight or had obesity and pre-existing heart disease, but not diabetes. Results from the SELECT trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that Wegovy reduced the combined risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death by 20% compared to a placebo. A major cardiovascular event occurred in 6.5% of participants receiving the drug, versus 8% of those in the placebo group over the course of the study. The heart-protective effects appear to go beyond just weight loss. These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are believed to also reduce inflammation, improve blood pressure, and enhance the function of blood vessels. Some studies suggest the cardiovascular benefits are present regardless of how much weight a person loses. A study from the University of Bristol and University College London proposes another mechanism. Research in mice suggests the drugs may prevent a complication called "no-reflow," where small blood vessels in the heart muscle fail to reopen even after the main artery is cleared following a heart attack. This complication, which affects up to half of heart attack patients, increases the risk of heart failure or death. Due to these findings, manufacturer Novo Nordisk has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to officially add the cardiovascular benefits to Wegovy's label. This could shift the perception of these drugs from weight-loss treatments to essential therapies for cardiovascular risk reduction, potentially increasing pressure on insurers to provide coverage. The cost of these medications remains a significant consideration. Without insurance, the monthly price for Wegovy can be more than $1,300. One analysis calculated that, based on trial data, it would cost an estimated $1.3 million to prevent one major cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke. While reducing cardiovascular risks, the most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation are frequently reported issues, which can lead some patients to discontinue the treatment.
