Ozempic Prevents Heart Attack Damage
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can prevent damage from heart attacks and significantly reduce the risk of further cardiac complications, even before substantial weight loss occurs. Health Canada approved Ozempic to reduce MACE risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. These developments suggest cardio health and weight management are converging with new prevention therapies.
The cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, were highlighted in the major SELECT clinical trial. This study showed a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in adults with overweight or obesity and pre-existing heart disease who do not have diabetes. Interestingly, the protective effects of the medication on the heart are not solely due to weight loss. Research indicates that even patients who lost a small amount of weight experienced cardiovascular benefits, suggesting the drug has other mechanisms for improving heart health. Scientists believe semaglutide helps the cardiovascular system by reducing inflammation, improving blood pressure, and positively affecting cholesterol levels. There is also evidence to suggest it has a direct positive impact on the heart and blood vessels. In a study involving mice, GLP-1 drugs, the class of medication to which Ozempic belongs, were found to potentially prevent tissue damage following a heart attack by improving blood flow. This is achieved by relaxing specific cells that can constrict blood vessels during a heart attack. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease back in January 2020. This approval was based on the results of the SUSTAIN 6 trial, which demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke. More recently, in March 2026, Health Canada also approved Ozempic for the same indication. This decision was based on a combined analysis of several studies, including the SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials.
