New Study Shows Drug Tirzepatide Lowers Blood Pressure in Adults with Obesity
A groundbreaking new study has revealed that the drug tirzepatide has the potential to significantly lower blood pressure in adults with obesity. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, is part of a larger clinical trial that previously demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss. These findings have led to the approval of tirzepatide by the US Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management.
The research, funded by the drug’s maker, Eli Lilly, enrolled 600 adults with a body mass index of 27 or more who did not have type 2 diabetes. The participants had their blood pressure monitored before and after nine months of weekly tirzepatide injections. The results were astounding, showing a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, which is a strong predictor of heart disease.
Participants taking different doses of tirzepatide experienced varying reductions in systolic blood pressure. Those on 5 milligrams had an average reduction of 7.4 mmHg, while those on 10 milligrams saw an average reduction of 10.6 mmHg. Participants on 15 milligrams had an average reduction of 8.0 mmHg. Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist at Yale University, described the eight-point difference as an impressive effect that rivals or exceeds many traditional blood pressure medications.
Dr. Michael E. Hall, chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, believes that the real effect of tirzepatide on blood pressure may be even more significant, considering that most study participants did not have high blood pressure to begin with. Tirzepatide works by mimicking the action of two different gut hormones, stimulating insulin production and slowing down food movement in the stomach to promote a feeling of fullness. It works similarly to semaglutide, the active compound in the weight loss drug Wegovy.
While the study did not account for participants’ dietary intake, which could influence the results, further research is needed to determine tirzepatide’s effect on direct cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and heart failure. Dr. Hall emphasized the need to assess whether the blood pressure changes reverse after people stop taking the drug.
The significance of these findings cannot be overstated. More than 47% of adults in the United States have hypertension, and nearly 42% have obesity. Obesity is the primary cause of high blood pressure, with approximately 75% of hypertension cases attributed to obesity. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke. By treating obesity, we have the potential to mitigate numerous obesity-related conditions, including hypertension.
Dr. Ania Jastreboff, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center, expressed optimism about the effectiveness of novel weight-loss medications in improving cardiometabolic complications associated with obesity. She believes that simplifying and combining treatment for these diseases would greatly benefit patients and doctors alike.
Dr. Krumholz highlighted that the true health benefits of tirzepatide lie downstream, with weight loss leading to reduced blood pressure and increased ability to exercise, ultimately improving heart health. He sees the weight loss effect of the drug as a pleasant side effect that will encourage people to adhere to their medication regimen.
Before the development of tirzepatide and similar obesity drugs, lifestyle modifications were the primary approach to treating obesity. While these modifications are beneficial, they often fall short in combating the disease due to our bodies’ natural tendency to regain weight. Tirzepatide represents a breakthrough in obesity treatment, offering individuals a medication that not only aids in weight loss but also improves their overall health.
However, there are barriers to accessing these new weight loss medications, including high costs and insufficient insurance coverage. Dr. Krumholz warned that unless these barriers are addressed, these treatments could contribute to worsening health disparities in the US.
The study on tirzepatide’s impact on blood pressure is a significant step forward in the fight against obesity-related health complications. It provides hope for millions of individuals struggling with obesity and high blood pressure, offering a potential solution that goes beyond traditional medications. As further research is conducted, we can anticipate more breakthroughs in the field of obesity treatment, bringing us closer to a healthier future for all.
