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- New research suggests the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro may lower the risk of heart attack and other major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
- Researchers estimated that for every 70 people who started tirzepatide, one major cardiovascular event could be prevented.
- The findings suggest tirzepatide may provide cardiovascular benefits when added to standard type 2 diabetes care.
New research suggests the popular GLP-1 medication Mounjaro may lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Previous randomized trials have shown that, compared with dulaglutide (Trulicity), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) had similar effects on major cardiovascular events.
Major cardiovascular events are a combined measure of heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause.
For the new study, researchers analyzed health insurance data from nearly 53,000 people with type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and established heart disease. They compared cardiovascular outcomes among people taking tirzepatide with those taking sitagliptin, another diabetes medication.
The results were published August 5 in The BMJ.
Mounjaro may lower heart attack risk by 33%
The analysis included 52,971 individuals with an average age of 70. Of those, 35,353 started tirzepatide, and 17,618 started sitagliptin.
Sitagliptin was chosen as a placebo proxy based on previous studies showing no effect on cardiovascular outcomes.
The researchers focused on the risk of major cardiovascular events. This was monitored for 1 year or until an individual stopped or switched treatment, or disenrolled from the health insurance plan.
They took into account factors including:
- age
- sex
- race
- BMI
- previous heart issues
- other chronic conditions
- other medication use
At the one-year mark, the risk of major cardiovascular events was 2.9% in the tirzepatide group and 4.4% in the sitagliptin group. The researchers estimated that for every 70 individuals starting tirzepatide, one major cardiovascular event could be prevented.
Taking into account the individual components of major cardiovascular events, tirzepatide was associated with a 33% reduction in heart attacks compared with sitagliptin. There was no meaningful difference for ischemic stroke.
The tirzepatide group also saw reductions in the following areas:
- infections requiring hospitalization (1 admission prevented for every 48 people)
- deaths from infection (1 death prevented for every 200 people)
- death from any cause (1 death prevented for every 122 people)
“These findings build on a growing body of research showing that GLP-1 medications can benefit more than just blood sugar; they may also support heart health and help manage conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who wasn’t involved in the study, said.
However, the researchers noted that the study was observational and had a relatively short follow-up period, and additional research is needed to confirm the findings.
Who may benefit from Mounjaro?
“Tirzepatide does not currently have FDA approval for cardiac risk reduction, and thus, coverage and usage are limited to patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea,” said David Rhee, MD, board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC, who wasn’t involved in the study.
Mounjaro is currently only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Zepbound has the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and is approved for weight loss.
If you have questions about GLP-1 medications and how they may help improve your health, speak with a healthcare professional.
How Mounjaro may support cardiovascular health
Chen told Healthline that GLP-1s like Mounjaro can help improve heart health in a couple of important ways. They can help manage major risk factors, such as blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure.
GLP-1s can also directly support the heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation and improving circulation, said Chen.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, works by mimicking two natural gut hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This helps lower blood sugar and supports your body in making more insulin, if needed. It can also slow digestion, which can help keep blood sugar levels under control after eating.
However, most data on GIP’s role in cardiovascular disease is preclinical and is still under investigation.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists are quickly becoming a common part of treatment for people with diabetes and those at higher risk for heart disease. As more people use these medications, we may continue to see broader benefits for overall heart health,” said Chen.
“The writing is on the wall. Science, industry, and politics are adapting quickly. The effect that this class of medications will have on our public health cannot be overstated,” said Rhee.
