Study: Wegovy can prevent strokes and heart attacks in people with no medical history

Dandelion Health used data from medical records and artificial intelligence and found that Wegovy can help prevent 34,000 strokes and heart attacks annually in the United States.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Sep 22, 2024, 1:47 PM

Updated 16 days ago

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There is increased evidence that Wegovy not only helps people lose weight but can also improve their cardiovascular health.
The popular weight loss medication had already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce heart attacks and strokes in people who have major cardiovascular issues.
New research now says the drug can benefit a broader group of people who have never had a cardiovascular incident.
Dandelion Health used data from medical records and artificial intelligence and found that Wegovy can help prevent 34,000 strokes and heart attacks annually in the United States.
Cardiologists and vascular doctors saying taking Wegovy or other medication that are classified as GLP-1 receptor agonist, along with a nutrition and exercise program, can help reduce their cardiovascular issues.
"Being overweight is one of the top three risk factors for lower extremity vascular disease," says Dr. Alex Afshar, a vascular specialist.
The drugs act on receptors in the brain to reduce one's appetite and make people feel full after eating less food than they normally would.
They additionally reduce one's blood sugar by promoting the release of insulin when blood sugar level spike, doctors say.
However, doctors warn these medications are not for everyone, especially those at risk or thyroid or pancreas issues.