From the Guidelines
Yes, semaglutide can increase heart rate, as evidenced by its common side effects which include elevated heart rate, according to the most recent and highest quality study available 1. This medication, used for type 2 diabetes and weight management (brand names include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus), typically causes a modest increase in heart rate of about 2-4 beats per minute on average. The heart rate increase occurs because semaglutide, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, affects the autonomic nervous system which regulates heart function. Some key points to consider regarding semaglutide and its effects on heart rate include:
- The medication's impact on heart rate is generally considered a normal physiological response and is usually not clinically concerning for most patients.
- Some patients may notice this change more than others, particularly when starting treatment or increasing doses.
- If you experience significant palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain while taking semaglutide, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly.
- For most people, this slight increase in heart rate is outweighed by the medication's beneficial effects on blood sugar control and weight management, and its potential cardiovascular benefits in reducing major adverse cardiac events in those with established cardiovascular disease, as supported by studies such as the SUSTAIN-6 trial 1.
- It is essential to weigh the benefits of semaglutide against its potential side effects, including the increased heart rate, and to monitor patients closely, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
- The use of semaglutide should be guided by the most recent clinical guidelines and evidence, such as those provided in the standards of care in diabetes-2023 1, which emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans and careful consideration of potential side effects.
From the Research
Semaglutide and Heart Rate
- The effect of semaglutide on heart rate is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, one study mentions that the treatment effect of semaglutide on physical component summary (PCS) score was reduced when adjusted for change in heart rate, among other factors 5.
- The study found that the mean change in overall PCS score was +1.0 with semaglutide versus +0.4 with placebo, but it does not provide direct information on the impact of semaglutide on heart rate.
- Another study examined the effects of semaglutide on risk of cardiovascular events across a continuum of cardiovascular risk, but it does not mention heart rate specifically 6.
- Overall, there is limited information available in the provided studies to determine the effect of semaglutide on heart rate.
Cardiovascular Effects of Semaglutide
- Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk 2, 3, 4, 6.
- The reduction in MACE risk was observed across the entire continuum of cardiovascular risk, with the largest absolute risk reduction seen in patients with intermediate to high cardiovascular risk score 6.
- Semaglutide also improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, with greater improvements possibly mediated by change in HbA1c and body weight 5.