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Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)-Based Therapies and Heart Failure Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Contemporary

Jenika Patel1, Deep Patel1, Maria Pino2

  • 1Medicine, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, USA.

Cureus
|August 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies show promise for heart failure, improving symptoms and reducing events in specific patient groups like those with HFpEF and obesity. Further research supports their role in tailored heart failure management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 therapies are known in cardiometabolic diseases.
  • Impact on heart failure (HF) outcomes is an emerging area of research.
  • Dedicated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are providing new insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent randomized data on GLP-1 therapies and HF outcomes.
  • To assess effects on HF symptoms, functional capacity, and clinical events.
  • To consolidate evidence from RCTs and prespecified analyses.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted literature searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL.
  • Included RCTs and prespecified analyses from 2021-2026.
  • Focused on studies reporting HF-specific outcomes for GLP-1 therapies.

Main Results:

  • Five RCT-based studies met inclusion criteria, evaluating semaglutide and tirzepatide.
  • Semaglutide improved HFpEF symptoms and function in obese patients.
  • Tirzepatide showed benefits in symptoms, function, and events.
  • Semaglutide reduced cardiovascular death/worsening HF in T2DM/CKD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence suggests GLP-1 therapies improve HF symptoms and function.
  • These therapies are associated with reduced HF events in specific populations.
  • GLP-1 therapies may play a role in population-specific HF management, particularly for HFpEF with obesity.
Keywords:
chronic kidney diseaseglp-1 receptor agonistsheart failurehfpefobesityscoping reviewsemaglutidetirzepatidetype 2 diabetes

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