Cardiovascular Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in satiety control and glucose homeostasis. Besides, GLP-1 has cardiovascular effects. In experimental models, GLP-1 increases cardiac output and exerts a direct vasodilatory effect. In animals with dilated cardiomyopathy GLP-1 improves left ventricular performance. Human data demonstrated that GLP-1 reduces arterial blood pressure, improves endothelial function in individuals with diabetes and left ventricular function in patients with heart failure. Administration of GLP-1 increases ejection fraction in acute myocardial infraction and reduces ischemia-reperfusion myocardial injury. Although more research is needed, these data suggest that GLP-1 may be used with promising results in patients with heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and revascularization procedures in addition to the standard therapy.