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The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Post ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care: A Scoping Review.

Curr Epidemiol Rep · 2025

Last updated 2026-05-28

A review of 10 studies found that GLP-1 drugs like exenatide and liraglutide were safe for adults after a severe heart attack called STEMI. Some studies showed these drugs improved heart function and reduced damage, but others did not find these benefits, and none showed a reduction in major heart events.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalCurr Epidemiol Rep, 2025
Citations0
Molecules
Conditions studied Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), highlighting their potential as adjunctive therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Ten studies investigated exenatide and liraglutide in adults with STEMI, evaluating imaging, clinical, mechanistic, and safety outcomes. GLP-1RA use was safe and well tolerated. Exenatide demonstrated improvements in infarct size, myocardial salvage, and cardiac function, although two trials in broader STEMI populations reported no post-infarction improvements. Across three trials, liraglutide was associated with improved myocardial salvage, infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume and no-reflow, supported by favorable biomarker changes, but without significant reductions in major cardiovascular events. SUMMARY: While most existing evidence is based on studies with limited generalizability, GLP-1RA use shows promise in improving post-STEMI outcomes. The consistent benefits reported support the need for larger, multicenter trials to clarify GLP-1RA role in cardioprotection and long-term outcomes.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 41230336 ↗