{"id":630760,"date":"2024-12-23T09:30:14","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T14:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630760"},"modified":"2025-03-18T10:13:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T14:13:30","slug":"ozempic-and-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ozempic-and-heart-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Ozempic prevent heart attack and stroke?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a world where the battle against obesity and diabetes is more pressing than ever, a groundbreaking medication is making waves for its dual capabilities. <\/span>Ozempic <\/span><\/a>(active ingredient semaglutide), a prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control blood sugar in patients with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. Ozempic has also shown promise as a weight-loss medication and is often prescribed off-label for this purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wegovy<\/span><\/a>, another brand name formulation of semaglutide, is FDA-approved for weight management in obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or overweight individuals with a BMI over 27, and at least one weight-related health condition, including high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist<\/span><\/a>, semaglutide, mimics the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1, reducing blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists also help with weight loss by delaying gastric emptying and reducing appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another exciting effect of GLP-1s is their potential to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and <\/span>stroke<\/span><\/a>. In fact, Wegovy recently received FDA approval to prevent serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in adults with obesity or who are overweight. Keep reading to learn how semaglutide and other GLP-1s improve cardiovascular risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

How semaglutide may improve cardiovascular health<\/span><\/h2>\n

How exactly do GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic enhance cardiovascular health? According to<\/span> Yu-Ming Ni, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at <\/span>MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, they promote weight loss, a significant factor in reducing cardiovascular risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith Wegovy and Ozempic, we’re seeing an average <\/span>10% reduction<\/span><\/a> in weight taken over the course of a year or so,\u201d says Dr. Ni, adding that with <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a> (active ingredient tirzepatide), a dual GIP [glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide] and GLP-1 receptor agonist) are even more <\/span>effective<\/span><\/a> weight-loss drugs. He explains that as a result, these m<\/span>edications have shown several heart health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved overall heart function\u2014r<\/span>isk factors that precipitate cardiovascular disease (CVD).<\/span><\/p>\n

Hosam Hmoud, MD<\/span><\/a>, a cardiology fellow at Northwell\u2019s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says semaglutide also has an important <\/span>anti-inflammatory component <\/span><\/a>that helps improve outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke. <\/span>Inflammation<\/span><\/a> is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, irritating blood vessels, promoting plaque build-up, and increasing the risk of blood clots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Hmoud emphasizes that weight loss and blood pressure are <\/span>proportionally related<\/span><\/a>\u2014even a small increase in weight can increase blood pressure. \u201cThe better weight loss you achieve, the better your blood pressure is controlled\u2014and that affects all of the organs in your body, from your heart to your brain to your kidneys,\u201d says Dr. Hmoud.<\/span><\/p>\n

S<\/span>tudies have demonstrated the efficacy of semaglutide for cardiovascular indications.<\/span> For example, the <\/span>SUSTAIN-6 trial<\/span><\/a> tested the cardiovascular safety of semaglutide in patients with Type 2 diabetes who had established cardiovascular diseases or were at high risk. To qualify, patients needed to be at least 50 years old and have heart disease, chronic heart failure, or advanced kidney disease, or be at least 60 years old with at least one heart-related health risk. They were given once-weekly doses of semaglutide (0.5 mg or 1.0mg) or a placebo for 104 weeks. Results showed that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, nonfatal heart attack, and nonfatal stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n

A new study, <\/span>the STEP trial<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>examined semaglutide\u2019s impact on cardiovascular outcomes in overweight people or people with obesity and established <\/span>cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/a>. Results indicated that semaglutide not only aids in weight loss but also improves cardiometabolic risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Dr. Ni says <\/span>semaglutide is generally safe for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, patients need to discuss their specific health situations with their healthcare providers. Seek medical advice if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as heart palpitations, with semaglutide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who should take semaglutide for heart health?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Semaglutide may be beneficial for patients with Type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular risk factors, such as <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a> or high cholesterol, says Dr. Hmoud. However, it should be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual.<\/span><\/p>\n

And while semaglutide can be an invaluable tool for managing weight and improving heart health, Dr. Ni recommends lifestyle changes like diet and exercise first. He says that individuals with certain <\/span>pre-existing conditions<\/span><\/a> should avoid taking semaglutide, including:<\/span><\/p>\n