Ozempic reduces the risk of heart attack

A study by scientists from University College London indicates that the active substance in Ozempic and Vegovi, semaglutide, not only helps fight diabetes, but also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart attack. Scientists call the substance the biggest medical discovery since statins, The Guardian reports .

The study was conducted by scientists from University College London and presented at the European Congress on Weight Loss. At it they said that, in addition to the fact that Ozempic reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases, the drug also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, regardless of a person’s weight.

“This fantastic drug completely changes [our understanding of medicine]. From the study, it becomes clear that it is not only weight loss that improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system - there are also alternative mechanisms [properties of semaglutide] that have a positive effect on the heart,” said Professor John Deanfield, Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Research.

The study, which was conducted by scientists, involved people from 41 countries - 17,604 people over 45 years of age who had suffered a heart attack or suffered from other heart diseases, as well as with a body mass index above normal. Participants were divided into two groups: the first was given 2.5 milligrams of semaglutide for 40 months, and the second was given a placebo.

Of the 8,803 subjects given semaglutide, only 569, or 6.5%, subsequently suffered another heart attack, compared with 8% of the placebo group, or 701 of 8,801 subjects.

Long-term use of the drug, according to scientists, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% - this is influenced by both weight loss and the properties of semaglutide, which have a positive effect on the heart.

Ozempic began to gain popularity in 2022: celebrities began to massively use the anti-diabetes drug for rapid weight loss. Ozempic and Vegovi have a number of side effects and contraindications - they should only be used with a prescription from a doctor. Despite this, in 2023, the UK's National Health Service allowed prescriptions to be given to patients suffering from excess weight.

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