Pulse of Progress: A Systematic Review of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has increased globally over the past 50 years, affecting over 500 million adults worldwide in 2023. A novel class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as a beacon of hope in treating the pandemic of diabetes and obesity. This analysis objective was to draw comparisons of how these medications reduce cardiovascular outcomes. The review revealed unique differences in GLP-1s, highlighting some of their strengths and weaknesses and which populations they can cater to preferentially. Even though all drugs in question of this review are proven to be efficacious for diabetes and obesity, differences in their cardiovascular safety profiles and efficacy were noted. The analysis recognized the potential of drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, as leaders in the space. Although this current assessment of where GLP-1 receptor agonists stand in regard to cardiovascular outcomes may still be premature, the space is extremely active, and there are trials that are highly anticipated to transform the landscape of diabetes and obesity management in patients with more established cardiovascular comorbidities in the near future.

Cardiol Res. 2024;15(1):1-11
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr1600