Which Disease Often Progresses Without Symptoms Until A Bone Breaks?

Shocking Discovery Prevents Stroke Recurrence And Death In Survivors

New research suggests that the weight-loss drug Ozempic may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or death in stroke survivors. Both GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, and SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance and Farxiga, showed promise in helping protect heart health following a stroke.

In this study, stroke patients taking either a GLP-1 or an SGLT2 drug had a 74% lower risk of death and an 84% lower risk of heart attack within three years after their stroke. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a 67% decrease in the likelihood of a second stroke. Lead researcher Dr. Ali Sheffeh from the Mayo Clinic noted that managing these risks is essential for improving stroke survival rates and quality of life for stroke survivors.

The study analyzed health records of over 7,000 adults treated for ischemic strokes between 2000 and 2022 in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It specifically examined the outcomes for patients who took either a GLP-1 or an SGLT2 drug after their stroke, compared to those who did not. GLP-1 drugs aid in blood sugar control and weight loss by mimicking a hormone that regulates insulin and appetite, while SGLT2 inhibitors help reduce blood sugar by promoting the removal of excess glucose through urine.

Findings showed a significant survival advantage among patients who used these drugs, with a death rate of under 12% for those taking either medication, versus 54% for those who didn’t. Similarly, the heart attack rate among drug users was just 1.5%, compared to 6% in non-users. Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a stroke specialist at Wake Forest University, said these results align with previous studies on the cardiovascular benefits of these medications, especially for those with obesity or Type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 drugs also help reduce blood pressure and prevent arterial plaque buildup, both known stroke and heart attack risk factors. Additionally, GLP-1 drugs may reduce platelet clumping, which could lower clot formation and further decrease stroke risk, Bushnell noted. However, while these findings suggest promise, experts emphasized the need for clinical trials to confirm the drugs’ effectiveness in preventing recurrent strokes.

Presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting, these results are preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.