Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists versus mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as fourth-line pharmacological therapy in patients with resistant hypertension and overweight or obesity: a retrospective multicenter cohort study in the USA.

Abstract

Background: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are the guideline-recommended therapy for resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension is particularly common in individuals with overweight or obesity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) induce substantial weight loss and reduce cardiovascular and renal events, with modest reductions in blood pressure. Whether GLP-1RAs provide benefit as an alternative therapeutic strategy in patients with resistant hypertension and overweight or obesity is unknown. We compared the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs and MRAs as fourth-line pharmacologic therapy in this population.

Methods: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study using the TriNetX US Collaborative Network including 67 healthcare organizations, female and male adults with overweight or obesity and resistant hypertension (uncontrolled blood pressure despite ACE-inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium antagonists and diuretics) initiating a fourth-line pharmacological therapy between 01 June 2017 and 31 March 2025 were identified and included. Patients initiating GLP-1RAs (semaglutide or tirzepatide) were compared with those initiating MRAs (spironolactone or eplerenone). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, kidney outcomes, and blood pressure changes. Propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics. Outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models.

Findings: Among 213,309 eligible patients, 22,694 initiated GLP-1RAs and 5673 initiated MRAs. After propensity score matching, 4153 patients remained in each group. During a median follow-up of 1.4 years, GLP-1RA therapy was associated with lower risks of MACE (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.78), all-cause mortality (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.55), cardiovascular events (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.92), major adverse kidney events (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88), and acute kidney injury (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.83) compared with MRAs. Systolic blood pressure reductions at 12 weeks were similar (-5.7 [95% CI -4.0 to -7.4] mmHg versus -6.3 [95% CI -4.7 to -8.0] mmHg).

Interpretation: In our retrospective study, among adults with resistant hypertension and overweight or obesity, GLP-1RA was associated with lower cardiovascular and kidney risk compared with MRAs despite smaller blood pressure reductions. GLP-1RAs may represent a potential alternative or complementary therapeutic option in this population. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1RAs should be incorporated into treatment strategies for resistant hypertension in patients with overweight or obesity.

Funding: None.