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Incretin-Related Drug Therapy in Heart Failure

  • Pharmacologic Therapy (WHW Tang, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The new pharmacological classes of GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors are now widely used in diabetes and have been postulated as beneficial in heart failure. These proposed benefits arise from the inter-related pathophysiologies of diabetes and heart failure (diabetes increases the risk of heart failure, and heart failure can induce insulin resistance) and also in light of the dysfunctional myocardial energetics seen in heart failure. The normal heart utilizes predominantly fatty acids for energy production, but there is some evidence to suggest that increased myocardial glucose uptake may be beneficial for the failing heart. Thus, GLP-1 agonists, which stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release and enhance myocardial glucose uptake, have become a focus of investigation in both animal models and humans with heart failure. Limited pilot data for GLP-1 agonists shows potential improvements in systolic function, hemodynamics, and quality of life, forming the basis for current phase II trials.

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Amanda R. Vest declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Division of Cardiology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, South 6138, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Amanda R. Vest

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Vest, A.R. Incretin-Related Drug Therapy in Heart Failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 12, 24–32 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-014-0232-6

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