A groundbreaking study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension has unveiled the significant blood pressure-lowering effects of the drug tirzepatide, known as Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for diabetes. Administered over nine months, this research, part of a larger clinical trial, showcases tirzepatide’s potential in combating hypertension in adults with overweight or obesity.
Previously recognized for inducing weight loss of up to 22%, tirzepatide received FDA approval for chronic weight management in November. Funded by Eli Lilly, the study involved 600 participants with a body mass index of 27 or more, without type 2 diabetes, and with either normal or controlled high blood pressure.
Results revealed a substantial reduction in systolic blood pressure, a key predictor of heart disease. Participants on 5 milligrams experienced an average reduction of 7.4 mmHg, those on 10 milligrams saw a reduction of 10.6 mmHg, and those on 15 milligrams witnessed an average decrease of 8.0 mmHg.
Renowned cardiologist Dr. Harlan Krumholz from Yale University hailed the eight-point difference as an impressive effect comparable to or exceeding many conventional blood pressure medications. However, Dr. Michael E. Hall from the University of Mississippi Medical Center suggested that the actual impact might be more pronounced, considering many participants started with normal blood pressure.
Tirzepatide operates by mimicking two gut hormones, stimulating insulin production and prolonging the feeling of fullness. This mechanism mirrors the weight loss drug Wegovy, which demonstrated a 20% risk reduction in heart-related events.
The study leaves uncertainties about whether the blood pressure reduction is attributable to weight loss or the medication, and dietary intake was not factored in. Future research will delve into tirzepatide’s impact on cardiovascular conditions and the reversibility of blood pressure changes post-medication.
With over 47% of US adults facing hypertension and nearly 42% grappling with obesity, the study offers hope for simplifying treatment. Dr. Ania Jastreboff, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center, sees these medications as a potential solution to mitigate various obesity-related conditions.
Despite the focus on weight loss, experts emphasize downstream health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and enhanced heart health. Dr. Krumholz underscores the transformative nature of these medications, providing not just weight loss but also improved overall health. However, concerns about accessibility persist, with inadequate insurance coverage hindering broader access and potentially exacerbating health disparities. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensuring the positive impact of these treatments on public health.
