A 66-year-old man with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is considering trying a GLP-1 drug to lose weight. He also has untreated sleep apnea and drinks heavily, which increases his risk of complications from the medication.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, while maintaining low pressures in the heart to allow for proper draining of blood from the lungs. HFpEF is a condition where the heart squeezes properly but has trouble relaxing, leading to high filling pressures that cause fluid buildup and volume overload.
Current treatments for HFpEF often focus on symptom management with medications like furosemide, rather than addressing the underlying causes of the condition. However, GLP-1 drugs have shown significant impact in managing HFpEF, particularly in people with obesity. These medications help with weight loss and reduce hospitalization rates for heart failure.
While there is a low risk of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 drugs (approximately 1 in 1,000 people taking the medication), it’s essential to note that this risk may be higher in individuals with a history of pancreatitis. However, given the husband’s severe obesity and the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs on weight loss, heart failure management, and reducing heavy drinking, the risks seem to outweigh the potential harms.
There is also promising evidence suggesting that GLP-1 drugs can help reduce alcohol cravings and increase abstinence rates in people with alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, treatment with a GLP-1 agent has been shown to improve sleep apnea symptoms in individuals with obesity and sleep apnea.
Considering his severe obesity and the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs on multiple fronts, it seems that this treatment option could be beneficial for the husband’s condition. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Source: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2025/03/dear-doctor-is-it-true-that-people-with-alcohol-addiction-can-get-help-by-taking-glp-1-drugs.html