GLP-1 and arterial inflammation — my results so far

Dr.EndoIndy said:

RetaRick_CA said: ...we're creating a generation dependent on cardiovascular risk...

I want to bring up the cardiovascular angle on cardiovascular risk.

The SELECT trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in MACE with semaglutide 2.4mg[1]. This is practice-changing because the CV benefit appears to be independent of the degree of weight loss — suggesting direct vascular and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

For cardiovascular risk, this means we need to think beyond the primary outcome and consider the cardiovascular implications. The all-cause mortality reduction (HR 0.81) is the most clinically meaningful signal.

fiona_VT said:

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of GLP-1 agonists and cardiovascular risk: beyond weight loss, GLP-1R activation directly suppresses NF-κB signaling,…

This answered a question I did not know how to ask. Adding it to my notes with a link back to this thread.

Dr.EndoIndy said:

RetaRick_CA said: ...we're creating a generation dependent on cardiovascular risk...

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 50 lbs, off lisinopril, 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.

InsuranceTom said:

My reason for being on this is cardiovascular rather than cosmetic, which puts me in a small minority in most of these threads.

InsuranceTom said:

...cardiovascular risk is just another fad...

I understand the skepticism — we've all seen "miracle" weight loss solutions come and go. But consider what makes GLP-1 agonists different:

• Phase 3 RCTs with thousands of participants (not 20-person pilot studies)
• Published in NEJM, JAMA, Lancet (not press releases)
• Replicated across multiple independent research groups
• Proven cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond weight loss
• Biological mechanism fully characterized at the receptor level

This isn't a fad — it's a new drug class supported by the highest level of clinical evidence. The comparison to past fads is understandable but inappropriate.

Moderator note: the sourcing question belongs in the vendor section and has been split out. Report rather than reply if it drifts again.