Efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Abstract

Aims: Obesity increases the risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) appear to improve cardiovascular outcomes in these patients; however, this benefit remains uncertain.

Materials and methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing GLP-1 RAs in obese patients with HFpEF. Outcomes included all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, heart failure events, and quality of life. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane were systematically searched. A random-effects model calculated risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Three RCTs with a total of 1876 patients were included, of whom 50% (937) were randomised to GLP-1 RA and followed for a mean of 69.3 weeks. There was no difference between groups regarding cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.22-2.88; p = 0.72), all-cause mortality (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.58-1.64; p = 0.93), or serious adverse events (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.40-1.09; p = 0.10). However, compared to placebo, GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced heart failure events (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22-0.73; p = 0.003), improved quality of life (KCCQ-CSS mean difference [MD]: 7.23 points; 95% CI: 4.89-9.56), decreased body weight (MD: -9.76 kg; 95% CI: -13.50 to -6.01), and enhanced functional capacity (6MWD MD: 16.54 m; 95% CI: 10.18-22.91). Nonetheless, GLP-1 RAs increased the risk of drug discontinuation due to adverse events (RR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.16-4.79; p = 0.02), primarily gastrointestinal (RR: 4.01; 95% CI: 2.15-7.45; p < 0.01).

Conclusions: GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced heart failure events, improved KCCQ-CSS score, reduced body weight, and improved 6MWD compared to placebo.