Health
Stopping GLP-1 drugs linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke
ScienceDaily reports that stopping diabetes medications like Ozempic can quickly erode cardiovascular protections, according to a study.
The short version
- A study of more than 333,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes indicates that cardiovascular protections from GLP-1 drugs quickly decline after stopping treatment.[ScienceDaily]
- Patients who discontinued GLP-1 medications for two years faced up to a 22% higher risk of major cardiovascular events or death compared to those who remained on therapy.[ScienceDaily]
- Restarting the medication after a gap restored some heart protection, but researchers noted the recovery was only partial.[ScienceDaily]
Key facts
- Washington University researchers analyzed data from over 333,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes across up to three years.[ScienceDaily]
- Patients who stopped GLP-1 therapy for two years experienced up to a 22% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to those on continuous therapy.[ScienceDaily]
- Continuous GLP-1 usage for three years was linked to an 18% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to treatment with sulfonylureas.[ScienceDaily]
- The study received funding from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, which did not participate in the study design, analysis, or publication.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether restarting GLP-1 drugs after longer intervals can ever fully reverse the cardiovascular risks accrued during treatment gaps.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Stopping Ozempic may raise heart attack and stroke riskScienceDaily - Science