GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Cardiovascular Outcomes: 3 Studies

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) for approximately 10 years. In early clinical studies the GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrated potentially cardioprotective effects-a provocative therapeutic prospect given the well-known association between T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the underlying cause of death in more than 60% of patients with T2DM.1 The prolonged hyperglycemia  of T2DM is believed to increase the risk of both coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.There are currently several large ongoing trials examining cardiovascular outcomes among T2DM patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. Until those data are available, researchers are conducting retrospective and meta-analyses to gain insight into the effects of these agents on cardiovascular outcomes. This slide show presents details from three recent studies. 

References:

1. Mundili D, Cameron-Vendrig A, Husain M. GLP-1 receptor agonists: A clinical perspective on cardiovascular effects.Diabetes Vasc Dis Res. 2012;9:95-108. doi: 10.1177/1479164112441526