AHA 2024: Diabetes drugs linked to lower MI, mortality rates among stroke survivors

In an analysis of more than 7,000 stroke survivors, those who were taking either a GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) or an SGLT2 inhibitor had a lower risk of a subsequent stroke, MI or death compared with peers who weren't prescribed the medications during a three-year follow up period.

Researchers analyzed medical records of >7,000 adults (average age, 72 years; 52% male) who had ischemic strokes between 2000 and 2022 and assessed the potential benefits of taking either a GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 inhibitor post stroke. After an average follow-up of three years, those taking a GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 inhibitor had:

• Lower risk of death and MI (74% and 84%, respectively). Those taking an SGLT2 were also at a 67% lower risk of another stroke.
• Lower death rates than non-users: 11.8% vs. 54%.
• Lower MI rates: 1.5% vs. 6.1%.

Source:

American Heart Association. (2024, November 11). GLP-1, SGLT2 medications may lower stroke survivor’s risk of future heart attack, stroke. [News release]. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/glp-1-sglt2-medications-may-lower-stroke-survivors-risk-of-future-heart-attack-stroke