GLP-1 Could Prevent 34,000 Strokes and Heart Attacks Each Year, Report Finds

Wegovy and similar drugs have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in “clinically silent patients,” according to a study by Dandelion Health.

Dandelion Health used real-world data and clinical AI tools to examine how GLP-1 could act as primary prevention for obese patients with mild to moderate cardiovascular disease – which is the case for 44 million Americans.

In a phase 3 trial, Wegovy reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% and improved heart failure-related symptoms in overweight or obese patients with pre-existing serious cardiovascular disease.

The weight-loss drug gained another indication from this study, but to get more cardioprotective results, Dandelion measured changes in major adverse cardiovascular events in those using and not using GLP-1.

If the additional 44 million patients, whom the researchers define as “clinically silent,” took GLP-1, 17,300 heart attacks and 16,700 strokes could be prevented each year, the report said. Currently, 6.2 million Americans are eligible for the drug.

In addition to cardiovascular disease, the healthcare industry is also studying the potential effect of GLP-1 on sleep apnea, kidney disease, steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction, dementia, drug addiction, anxiety, depression, and cancer. Learn more here.