By now you have probably heard plenty about GLP-1 medications. Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become familiar names, largely because of the dramatic weight loss results many patients experience. But beyond the headlines, what do these medications actually mean for your heart?
In the video below, Dr. Brian Kolski, OCHI’s interventional cardiologist and Director of Structural Heart Disease at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, walks through what GLP-1 drugs are, how they work, and what the cardiovascular research is showing about their role in heart disease prevention and treatment.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are medications that mimic a hormone the gut produces naturally after eating. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they reduce blood sugar, suppress appetite, and slow digestion, resulting in significant weight loss for many patients.
The Cardiovascular Connection
The heart health story goes well beyond weight loss. Studies have shown meaningful reductions in major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, in patients taking GLP-1 medications. The American College of Cardiology now recommends GLP-1 drugs as a strategy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk through weight loss. As weight comes down, so do blood pressure, inflammation, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. For patients with existing heart disease or significant cardiovascular risk, the implications are substantial.
Watch Dr. Kolski’s Discussion
Dr. Kolski is a nationally recognized interventional cardiologist and one of Southern California’s leading structural heart specialists. In this video, he covers the cardiovascular evidence, addresses what these medications can and cannot do, and responds to questions patients are commonly raising at their appointments.
If you have questions about GLP-1 medications and how they relate to your cardiovascular health, bring them to your next appointment. Our team follows the latest evidence closely so we can help you make well-informed decisions about your care.