Weight-Loss Drug Proven To Slash Heart Failures
Research has already demonstrated that Wegovy (semaglutide), a popular weight-loss medication, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. New data now suggests that this benefit extends even to patients with severe heart failure.
The study, led by Dr. John Deanfield of University College London (UCL), provides reassurance regarding the safety of Wegovy for patients with heart failure, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction—a condition where the heart pumps less blood throughout the body. Deanfield emphasized that the benefits of semaglutide were consistent, regardless of the type of heart failure, alleviating previous concerns.
In November, Deanfield’s team reported that overweight or obese heart patients aged 45 and older experienced a 20% reduction in heart attack or stroke risk after receiving weekly Wegovy injections for an average of 34 months. This trial, funded by Novo Nordisk (Wegovy’s manufacturer), involved over 17,600 participants globally.
The latest analysis focused on a subset of about 4,300 patients from the same trial, all diagnosed with heart failure at the study’s onset. Among this group, Wegovy use was associated with a 28% reduction in major adverse cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Specifically, 9.1% of patients on Wegovy experienced a major cardiac event, compared to 12.3% of those on a placebo.
Additionally, heart failure patients taking Wegovy saw a 24% reduction in deaths related to heart disease and a 19% decrease in deaths from any cause. These benefits were consistent across different types of heart failure, whether patients had preserved or reduced ejection fraction.
The researchers suggest that semaglutide may improve health in heart failure patients by enhancing blood sugar control, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and potentially exerting direct effects on the heart muscle and blood vessels. They advocate for considering semaglutide as an additional treatment for heart failure patients, alongside their current medications.
However, the study has limitations. The larger trial was not specifically designed to study heart failure, so a dedicated trial for this condition is necessary. Moreover, the trial’s participants were predominantly white and male, highlighting the need for further research in a more diverse population.
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