Does the use of GLP-1RAs protect against later heart-disease?

This study examined whether the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) protected against later heart disease in type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that GLP-1RAs significantly reduced the risk.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). Examples of GLP-1RAs include liraglutide (Victoza) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Their primary use is to lower blood sugar levels. They also have positive effects on weight, blood pressure, levels of inflammation and blood lipids (i.e. the fat that circulates in the arteries and veins). Increases in any of the above factors increase the risk of heart disease. 

This study investigated whether using GLP-1RAs reduced the risk of heart disease in T2D patients.

This study examined the heart disease prevalence of 105,862 T2D patients treated with a GLP-1RA between 2005 and 2014. The patients were identified using an electronic health-record system. The effects of GLP-1RAs on those with and without prior heart disease were examined. 

Those using GLP-1RAs had a 20% lower risk of heart attacks, an 18% lower risk of stroke and a 52% lower risk of death from any cause. This was compared to patients who had never used GLP-1RAs during the same timeframe. Patients treated with GLP-1RAs had an overall 18% lower risk of heart disease. 

The risk of stroke and death from any cause was reduced in patients with or without prior heart disease. The risk of heart attack was not reduced in either group.

This study concluded that GLP-1RA treatment reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with our without prior heart disease.

More studies on the effects of individual GLP-1RAs are needed. There was no information on the use of other potentially risk-altering medications prior to the study. Finally, the authors did not follow-up with the patients, making it impossible to check for medical changes since the start of the study.