A recent study unveiled at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting in Chicago reveals that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic, and SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance and Farxiga, could provide substantial cardiovascular advantages for individuals who have survived strokes. Recent research links these medications to a decreased likelihood of heart attacks, recurrent strokes, and mortality among stroke patients.

Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of data involving more than 7,000 stroke survivors who received treatment between January 2000 and June 2022 in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The study examined the outcomes of stroke survivors prescribed GLP-1 or SGLT2 medications after their stroke. Recent findings indicate that stroke patients receiving either form of medication experienced a significant 74% reduction in the risk of death and an 84% decrease in the likelihood of a heart attack over an average period of three years. SGLT2 drugs have demonstrated a significant impact, showing a 67% reduction in the risk of recurrent strokes.

Dr. Ali Sheffeh, a leading internal medicine physician and research scholar at the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the urgent necessity for strategies aimed at reducing the risks associated with recurrent strokes and heart attacks. Sheffeh emphasized the importance of managing risk and exploring innovative strategies to reduce the likelihood of subsequent strokes, heart attacks, or fatalities. These measures are essential for enhancing stroke survival rates and improving the quality of life for stroke survivors.

GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes management, play a crucial role in regulating insulin levels, controlling blood sugar, reducing appetite, and facilitating weight loss. SGLT2 inhibitors function by assisting the kidneys in eliminating surplus sugar, which effectively reduces blood glucose levels.

Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a stroke expert at Wake Forest University, highlighted the study's consistency with earlier research that underscores the cardiovascular advantages of these medications. She emphasized that GLP-1 drugs play a significant role in lowering blood pressure, decelerating the accumulation of arterial plaques, and inhibiting blood clot formation—critical elements that elevate the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Recent findings highlight the promising role of GLP-1 and SGLT2 drugs in the aftercare of stroke patients. However, Dr. Bushnell stressed the necessity of conducting a clinical trial to validate their effectiveness in lowering the risk of recurrent strokes. “These medications could hold significant importance,” she stated, “but we currently lack the necessary data.”

Preliminary findings indicate a need for further peer-reviewed studies to validate these outcomes, which could significantly impact treatment guidelines for stroke survivors.