GLP-1 Drugs Could Prevent 34,000 Heart Attacks and Strokes Each Year
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, or the compounded versions Tirzepatide and Semaglutide have long been used to treat diabetes and aid in weight loss. However, new research indicates they may also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, potentially preventing over 34,000 heart attacks and strokes annually in the U.S.
These medications, which belong to the class of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), have already demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits for high-risk patients—those who have previously experienced a heart attack or stroke or have established cardiovascular disease (CVD). Now, emerging data suggests these benefits could extend to a broader population.
Cardiovascular Benefits for Millions
A recent study by Dandelion Health, a company specializing in real-world data and clinical AI, explores how GLP-1 drugs might benefit millions of Americans with mild to moderate CVD who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke. This group, numbering in the tens of millions, has not typically been included in large clinical trials, which have historically focused on higher-risk individuals.
Dandelion Health leveraged AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of real-world data, including electrocardiogram readings and physician notes, to assess the potential impact of GLP-1 drugs on cardiovascular health. According to Nick Gossen, Head of Growth at Dandelion Health, the findings show that patients who begin GLP-1 treatment have a lower cardiovascular risk after three years compared to those not taking the drugs.
Key Findings
The research suggests that GLP-1 drugs could serve as a preventive treatment for heart attacks and strokes in patients with obesity and mild or moderate CVD—about 44 million additional Americans.
Patients on GLP-1s experienced a 15-20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attacks and strokes, aligning with clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Dandelion’s AI-driven predictive models found that patients taking GLP-1s would begin to see cardiovascular benefits within two years.
While promising, the study has not yet been peer-reviewed. Gossen noted that further validation is underway, and the company aims to advance the use of AI in shaping more inclusive, lower-cost clinical trials.
FDA Approvals and Broader Implications
The potential of GLP-1 drugs in preventing cardiovascular disease is gaining recognition. In early 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy for preventing heart attack and stroke, marking the first time a weight loss drug received such an indication. Ozempic, which contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, was approved for cardiovascular indications for type 2 diabetes in 2020.
Earlier clinical trials, like the Sustain-6 trial in 2016, showed that Ozempic reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke by 26% in patients with type 2 diabetes. More recently, the Select trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in MACE among patients with obesity, paving the way for the FDA’s approval of Wegovy’s cardiovascular indication.
With these findings, GLP-1 drugs could play a critical role in reducing cardiovascular risks for millions of Americans, offering hope beyond weight loss and diabetes management. If you are interested in learning more connect with us here and let us walk you through the steps of a healthier lifestyle!
