GLP-1 and peripheral arterial disease — claudication improvement data

Dr.CardioMD said:

Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.

I'm 55 years old and want to share my perspective on cardiovascular risk as an older member of this community.

My doctor was initially hesitant because of my age, but the SELECT trial included patients up to 72 and showed consistent benefit across age groups. We started at the lowest dose with closer monitoring.

13 months later: down 40 lbs, off atorvastatin, A1C from 8.0% to 5.5%. My cardiologist is thrilled. cardiovascular risk is absolutely relevant for older adults — don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

KevinCompounds said:

I'm 55 years old and want to share my perspective on cardiovascular risk as an older member of this community.

Positive "side effect" of cardiovascular risk: my blood pressure dropped so much that I'm now off losartan entirely! My cardiologist is thrilled.

If you're on BP meds and losing weight on a GLP-1, monitor your BP at home regularly. Hypotension symptoms (dizziness, lightheadedness when standing) mean your BP meds may need reduction. Don't wait for your next scheduled appointment — call your doctor.

Dr.CardioMD said:

Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.

Adding a me-too, because a thread of one person's experience is not much use. I had assumed I was the exception until I read this.

Adding the clinical framing, because it changes how the question reads.

6 month update on cardiovascular risk: down 64 lbs, off blood pressure meds, A1C normalized. Genuinely life-changing.