Multiple GLP-1 drugs linked to lower AFib risk
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) may be able to reduce a patient's risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to new data presented at Heart Rhythm 2026 in Chicago. This appeared to be true even after accounting for the drug’s impact on weight loss.
This latest study adds to a growing body of data on the positive cardiovascular effects of GLP-1-RAs beyond their initial indications for diabetes and weight management. This and other studies are showing there may be a potential role for these drugs in AFib prevention and management.
“As AFib continues to affect more patients worldwide, clinicians need new strategies to reduce risk and improve long-term outcomes,” presenting author Kenneth Bilchick, MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Virginia, explained in a statement “These findings suggest GLP-1-RAs may influence heart rhythm through mechanisms beyond weight loss. Understanding those effects could help guide how we approach prevention and treatment of AFib in the future.”
This single-center, retrospective study looked at 13,034 patients who initiated GLP-1-RA therapy between January 2020 and May 2024. Patients were identified through electronic medical records and used propensity score matching to compare them with a similar cohort of more than 385,000 patients who had never received GLP-1-RA therapy and did not have a prior AFib diagnosis.
The study found the GLP-1 group had significantly better survival and lower risk of AFib when compared to matched patients in the control group. The researchers said this reduction in AFib risk remained consistent, regardless of the level of weight change. There was no difference in these benefits between patients who lost 10% or more of their body weight, less than 10%, and those who gained weight while taking GLP-1s.
Among the GLP-1 medications included in this study, the authors found semaglutide showed a stronger association with reduced AFib risk than liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]