AI-Driven Study Suggests GLP-1 Drugs Could Prevent 34,000 Heart Attacks and Strokes Annually
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
A recent study suggests that GLP-1 medications, widely used for diabetes and obesity, may have significant cardiovascular benefits beyond their current applications. According to research conducted by Dandelion Health, a company specializing in real-world data and clinical AI, GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, could help prevent up to 34,000 heart attacks and strokes each year in the U.S. The study proposes that these drugs might be effective in reducing cardiovascular events in a broader population of patients, including those with only mild or moderate cardiovascular disease, who have not previously suffered a heart attack or stroke.
While earlier clinical trials demonstrated that GLP-1 drugs can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients with established cardiovascular disease, the new research explores the potential for these medications to be used as a primary preventative tool in a much larger group. This includes about 44 million Americans with obesity and mild or moderate cardiovascular disease. Studying this demographic in traditional clinical trials is both challenging and expensive, but Dandelion Health used AI-driven algorithms and real-world data, such as electrocardiogram readings and physician notes, to conduct the study more quickly and on a larger scale.
The findings revealed that patients taking GLP-1 drugs experienced a 15-20% reduction in major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes. This result aligns with clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Additionally, the study suggested that cardiovascular benefits for patients on GLP-1s could be observed in under two years, faster than the timeframe seen in conventional clinical studies.
However, it is important to note that these findings have not yet been peer-reviewed. Dandelion Health acknowledges that while their results are promising, further validation is required. Peer review and additional studies will be necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of GLP-1s for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in lower-risk populations. Until then, the broader application of GLP-1 drugs for heart health remains an area of ongoing research.
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