A new analysis of data from a large clinical trial indicates that Wegovy (semaglutide) significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with heart failure. The study, presented in The Lancet, offers further evidence of the drug's cardiovascular benefits, even in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
The research, led by Dr. John Deanfield of University College London (UCL), examined data from nearly 4,300 heart failure patients who participated in a larger trial involving over 17,600 participants. These patients were administered Wegovy weekly for an average of 34 months. The study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy.
Key Findings
The analysis revealed that Wegovy was associated with a 28% reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart attack and stroke, in heart failure patients. Specifically, 9.1% of patients on Wegovy experienced a major cardiac event, compared to 12.3% in the placebo group. Furthermore, the study found a 24% reduction in deaths related to heart disease and a 19% reduction in deaths from any cause among patients taking Wegovy.
Consistent Benefits Across Heart Failure Types
Notably, the benefits of Wegovy were consistent across different types of heart failure, including those with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction. This finding addresses previous concerns about the drug's potential impact on patients with reduced ejection fraction, where the heart pumps less blood.
Potential Mechanisms
The researchers suggest that semaglutide may improve cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms. These include improvements in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. The drug may also have direct effects on the heart muscle and blood vessels.
Implications and Future Research
Dr. Deanfield emphasized the importance of these findings, suggesting that heart failure patients may want to consider semaglutide in addition to their existing medications. However, he also noted limitations of the study, including the predominantly white and male patient population. Future research should focus on more diverse populations and be specifically designed to evaluate the effects of semaglutide in heart failure patients.
While the trial wasn't focused on heart failure per se, the results suggest a significant benefit of Wegovy in reducing cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable population. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms in more detail.
