GLP-1RA versus placebo in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Jul 7, 2025International journal of cardiology

GLP-1RA treatment compared to placebo in heart failure patients with mildly reduced or normal heart pumping function: An updated analysis of clinical trials

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Abstract

4,474 patients with heart failure were analyzed, showing GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced heart failure exacerbations by 57%.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are associated with fewer composite cardiovascular mortality and heart failure exacerbations compared to placebo (139 vs. 194).
No significant difference was observed in cardiovascular deaths between the GLP-1RA group and the placebo group (67 vs. 71).
Heart failure exacerbations were significantly lower in the GLP-1RA group (83 vs. 138).
The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score improved with GLP-1RA treatment, indicating enhanced patient functionality.
Patients in the GLP-1RA group experienced an increase in 6-minute walk distance and a decrease in body weight.

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INTRODUCTION: Currently, limited guideline-directed medical therapies are available for heart failure (HF) with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF). Both are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death, especially in overweight, obese, or diabetic individuals.

METHODS: We searched Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to November 2024. Trials with HF patients randomized for GLP-1RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) and reported adverse cardiovascular and mortality outcomes were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager 5.4.1.

RESULTS: 4474 patients with HF (preserved and mildly reduced EF) were included in the study. 2278 (50.91 %) received a GLP-1RA [either semaglutide (1914, 84 %) or Tirzepatide (364, 16 %)], and 2196 (49.01 %) received a placebo. GLP-1RA reduced the composite event of cardiovascular mortality and worsening HF exacerbation [139 vs. 194, RR: 0.64 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.92)]. However, on subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in cardiovascular (CV) deaths [67 vs. 71, RR 0.89 (95 % CI: 0.65-1.24)]. The HF exacerbations were significantly reduced in the GLP-1RA group [83 vs. 138, RR 0.59 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.76)]. Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS) was favorable for GLP-1RA [Std Mean Difference (SMD): 7.38 (95 % CI: 5.51-9.26)], reflected by an increase in 6-min walk distance in GLP-1RA groups [SMD: 17.69 (95 % CI: 11.87-23.34)] and contributed by a decrease in body weight in GLP-1RA groups [SMD -9.56 (95 % CI -12.74 to -6.39)].

CONCLUSION: GLP-1RA reduce HF exacerbations and can play a role in reducing hospitalizations, improving patient's functional status, and significantly impacting the global healthcare burden of HF. However, the current data does not indicate any overall mortality benefit.

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GLP-1RA versus placebo in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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