Cardiology in reviewApr 17, 2025

Effectiveness of Semaglutide and Similar Drugs in People with Heart Failure and Obesity

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

In a review of 4 studies involving 2194 patients, GLP-1 agonists showed a mean improvement of 17.14 m in 6-minute walking distance.

Patients receiving GLP-1 agonists had a significant mean difference of 7.3 in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score, indicating enhanced quality of life.
Weight loss associated with GLP-1 agonists was substantial, with a mean difference of -7.19 kg.
Reductions in inflammatory markers, specifically C-reactive protein, were noted with a mean difference of -30.18.
There was a significant reduction in hospitalizations or urgent care visits for heart failure, with an odds ratio of 0.32.
Higher rates of gastrointestinal adverse events leading to discontinuation were observed in the other GLP-1 agonists group, with an odds ratio of 2.996.

Simplified

Semaglutide, a novel drug, has shown potential benefits for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity in early trials. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of semaglutide and other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in HFpEF patients with obesity. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted on October 18, 2024, using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane. Eligible studies included those comparing semaglutide or other GLP-1 agonists to placebo in this patient population. Primary outcomes included changes in 6-minute walking distance, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS), body weight, and secondary endpoints. Of 1116 studies, 4 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2194 patients. GLP-1 agonists demonstrated a mean difference (MD) in 6-minute walking distance of 17.14 m [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.92-22.35, P < 0.001] and an MD in KCCQ-CSS of 7.3 (95% CI: 5.09-9.51, P < 0.001), indicating significant improvements in physical function and quality of life. Weight loss was substantial, with an MD of -7.19 kg (95% CI: -11.28 to -3.09, P = 0.001), alongside reduced inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein MD: -30.18, 95% CI: -38.16 to -22.2, P < 0.001). Hospitalizations or urgent care visits for heart failure were reduced (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.66, P < 0.001). However, gastrointestinal adverse events leading to discontinuation were higher in the other GLP-1 agonists group (OR: 2.996, 95% CI: 1.683-5.331, P < 0.001). In HFpEF patients with obesity, GLP-1 agonists significantly improved symptoms, quality of life, physical function, and weight loss while reducing heart failure-related hospitalizations, though with increased gastrointestinal side effects.

Funding

Competing interests

Disclosures: The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

PubMed

Effectiveness of Semaglutide and Similar Drugs in People with Heart Failure and Obesity

Abstract

Funding

Competing interests

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Abstract

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