Could Tirzepatide Have Benefits for People With Heart Failure? A Look at the Newest Research
Key takeaways:
In 2023, the FDA approved tirzepatide (Zepbound) for adults who carry excess weight. This medication helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion.
Tirzepatide may improve heart health, especially for people living with heart failure. A study showed that those who took this medication were less likely to die from heart-related diseases or have worsening heart failure.
Tirzepatide is typically prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30. It may also be recommended for individuals with a BMI of 27 who have at least one heart-related condition.
Table of contents
Nearly 75% of adults in the U.S. have a body mass index (BMI) that puts them at risk for weight-related health conditions. Heart disease is one of these conditions. Excess weight puts strain on your heart, making it work harder to do its job.
Scientists have long known that weight loss can improve heart health. Now, tirzepatide (Zepbound), a medication that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control, is showing promise for people with heart failure. But how does weight loss — and this medication in particular — improve your heart health? We’ll discuss this below.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication that works by acting like two key gut hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It’s the first dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist medication approved by the FDA. GIP and GLP-1 play an important role in digestion by:
Increasing the release of insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels
Slowing the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine so you feel full longer and eat less food
Decreasing hunger signals in your brain
Tirzepatide is especially helpful for people who are trying to lower their blood sugar and lose weight. It’s usually prescribed along with diet and exercise and is given as an injection just under your skin.
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in both Zepoud and Mounjaro. But unlike Zepbound, Mounjaro was previously approved only for blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes.
How can tirzepatide help patients with heart failure?
For people with heart failure, tirzepatide may help lower the risk of dying from heart problems or experiencing a worsening of their condition. This benefit is probably most closely related to the way the medication helps lower body weight.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Our experts compare the main differences between these two weight-loss medications to help you make the best choice for you.
Mounjaro and Zepbound knockoffs: If you’re considering a compounded form of tirzepatide, it’s important to understand these key facts to stay safe.
How much does tirzepatide cost without insurance? The new weight-loss medications can be expensive. Compare the cost of Tirzepatide with and without insurance coverage.
Heart failure is closely linked with BMI. For some people, excess weight can put a strain on the heart. Over time, the heart remodels itself and changes the way it pumps to try and handle this strain.
Excess weight can also lead to other conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, including heart failure. These include:
High cholesterol
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes
Tirzepitide’s effect on blood sugar may also help people with heart failure. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that supply blood and other nutrients to your heart. This risk is true whether or not someone has diabetes.
What does the research show on tirzepatide for heart failure?
A clinical trial looked at how tirzepatide may improve heart health in people with heart failure. The study included more than 700 people who met the following three criteria:
Over 40 years old
A BMI of at least 30
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (a type of heart failure where the heart pumps blood well but doesn’t fill properly)
Half of the study participants were given tirzepatide, while the other half were given a placebo (an inactive treatment). Their health was tracked for 2 years. At the 2-year mark, those taking tirzepatide had a lower risk of dying from heart-related problems or from heart failure getting worse.
It’s important to note some of the characteristics of the study population. Factors like age, sex, race, medical history, and even where people live can influence results. For this study:
About 70% of the participants identified as white.
Roughly 70% were classified as having Class II heart failure. This means they had symptoms that made physical activity harder. Around 30% had more advanced stages of heart failure.
About one-third of participants also had coronary artery disease. This condition can also increase the risk of heart failure.
More than half of the participants lived in Latin America, while fewer than one-quarter lived in the U.S.
We highlight these details to help you see how much these study results may or may not apply to you. It’s always important to remember that study results apply to large groups of people, not individuals. For example, these results may be less helpful for a Black American living in the U.S. with mild heart failure.
Who is eligible to take tirzepatide?
In 2023, the FDA approved Zepbound for adults with a BMI that falls in the “overweight” or “obesity” categories.
You’re eligible to take tirzepatide if you have a BMI of 30 or higher. You’re also eligible if your BMI is at least 27 and you have one of the following:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart disease
The bottom line
Tirzepatide shows promise as a weight-loss drug that can also help improve heart health. But it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Researchers are still exploring who benefits most from tirzepatide. Regardless of the treatment approach, any weight loss will likely improve heart health in individuals with higher body weight and heart failure. A balanced approach to weight management and heart health should include a nutritious diet and regular exercise. If you’re wondering whether this medication is right for you, talk to your primary care provider. They can help you understand your best options.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Heart Association. (2023). Classes and stages of heart failure.
Borlaug, B. A., et al. (2022). Obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: New insights and pathophysiological targets. Cardiovascular Research.
Golla, M. S. G., et al. (2024). Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). StatPearls.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Definition and facts for adult overweight and obesity.
Packer, M., et al. (2024). Tirzepatide for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management.
