GLP-1 and SGLT2 Medications Linked to Reduced Risks for Stroke Survivors
A recent preliminary study suggests that two classes of medications—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors—commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes and facilitate weight loss, could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks, subsequent strokes, and mortality in adults who have experienced an initial stroke. These findings are set to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, scheduled for November 16-18 in Chicago, a leading global platform for cardiovascular science advancements.
Understanding the Impact of Medications on Stroke Survivors
The grim reality following a stroke is that one in four survivors will experience another stroke, compounded by a heightened risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. As M. Ali Sheffeh, M.D., the study’s lead author and a research scholar at Mayo Clinic, stated, managing these risks is vital for enhancing stroke survival and improving the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
The study involved a thorough examination of over 7,000 medical records from adults who suffered ischemic strokes—the most common stroke type caused by blood clots—between January 2000 and June 2022. Participants received care from various health systems in Minnesota and Wisconsin, allowing researchers to investigate the relationship between GLP-1 and SGLT2 medications and long-term health outcomes post-stroke.
Medication Classes Explained
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: This class of medication, including liraglutide and semaglutide, stimulates insulin production, slows gastric emptying, and lowers glucagon levels, helping to manage blood sugar effectively. They are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risks in individuals with obesity.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors: These medications enable the kidneys to expel excess glucose via urine, thus helping to control blood sugar levels. Among the SGLT2 cohort are canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, which are also FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
A Closer Look at the Findings
The study revealed compelling statistics:
- Adults on either GLP-1 or SGLT2 medications experienced a 74% lower risk of death and an 84% lower risk of heart attack compared to those not on these medications.
- SGLT2 users had a 67% lower risk of recurrent strokes.
- The death rate was 11.8% among medication users, starkly contrasting with 54% for non-users, while heart attack occurrences were 1.5% vs. 6.1%.
These results remained significant even after adjusting for various risk factors such as age, sex, smoking status, and history of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
Sheffeh mentioned, “When comparing multiple variables, we can still conclude that treatment with either medication was associated with a lower risk of recurrent stroke… the medications significantly lowered the risk of recurrent stroke in an analysis that considered multiple risk factors.”
Expanding Clinical Perspectives
The study’s scope, while extensive, does have limitations. It’s based on data from a particular healthcare system, predominantly involving white participants, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, while the study could
