If you’ve seen the headlines about Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) or Ozempic® (semaglutide 1.0 mg), you’ve probably heard about weight loss. But for people living with vascular disease—especially peripheral artery disease (PAD)—the story is bigger than the scale. New research shows GLP‑1 medications can reduce major heart risks and even help you walk farther if you have PAD and diabetes. Here’s how to think about these medications as part of a complete vascular‑care plan.
First, what are GLP‑1 medications?
GLP‑1 receptor agonists mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. By slowing stomach emptying and improving insulin response, they promote weight loss and better metabolic control—two powerful levers for protecting arteries over time.
The heart outcomes are real
The large SELECT trial followed more than 17,000 adults with overweight/obesity and prior cardiovascular disease—without diabetes—and found weekly semaglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) by about 20% versus placebo. This is the first time a weight‑loss drug has demonstrated this level of heart protection in people without diabetes, pointing to benefits beyond the number on the scale. (New England Journal of Medicine)
What about your legs? New data for PAD
This spring, the STRIDE trial reported that once‑weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg significantly improved maximum walking distance and quality of life in people with symptomatic PAD and type 2 diabetes. In fact, the average improvement in walking distance at one year was ~13% compared with placebo. The American College of Cardiology highlighted STRIDE during its 2025 annual meeting; the study was published in The Lancet. (American College of Cardiology, The Lancet)
Regulators have taken note. In June 2025, the European Medicines Agency endorsed adding PAD‑related walking benefits to the Ozempic® label in Europe, reflecting the STRIDE results. A U.S. decision is pending. While labels evolve, the signal is clear: for patients with PAD and diabetes, semaglutide can improve functional capacity, not just weight or glucose. (Reuters)
Fewer limb and heart events in PAD: early real‑world evidence
Beyond a treadmill test, what patients care about is fewer complications. An observational analysis of patients with moderate PAD found that use of GLP‑1 therapies was associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). More research is underway, but this aligns with what we know about GLP‑1 drugs improving inflammation, lipids, weight, and blood pressure—risk factors that matter to your arteries. (ScienceDirect)
Where do GLP‑1s fit in a comprehensive PAD plan?
GLP‑1s are add‑ons, not replacements. The 2024 AHA/ACC multi‑society PAD guideline still puts proven therapies front and center: antiplatelet therapy, high‑intensity statins, blood‑pressure control, smoking cessation, and supervised exercise therapy. For patients with PAD and type 2 diabetes, GLP‑1s (liraglutide, semaglutide) and SGLT2 inhibitors are recommended to reduce MACE—evidence‑based medicine that goes beyond glucose numbers. (American College of Cardiology)
Who might be a good candidate?
- You have PAD and type 2 diabetes and want to improve walking and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- You have established heart disease and BMI ≥27 kg/m² and need a tool that protects the heart in addition to helping with weight, as in SELECT.
- You’ve tried lifestyle changes but need more support reaching risk‑reduction goals.
Candidacy always depends on your medical history, other medications, and insurance coverage. A clinician should weigh benefits against side effects and cost.
Safety and side effects—what to know
The most common effects are nausea, fullness, reflux, and sometimes constipation or diarrhea as your dose escalates. Rarely, people experience gallbladder issues. These drugs are not for everyone (e.g., certain endocrine conditions) and should be avoided in pregnancy. If you’re on blood‑pressure meds or diuretics, we’ll monitor hydration and electrolytes closely, especially in summer heat. A structured plan and steady dose titration reduce most side effects.
Practical expectations
- They won’t “open” blocked arteries. They lower risk and improve function when layered onto guideline‑directed therapy and exercise.
- Walking still wins. Combining semaglutide with a structured walking program typically delivers the best improvement in symptoms.
- Results build gradually. Expect months—not days—for meaningful changes in stamina, weight, blood pressure, and lipids.
How NYMVCare personalizes GLP‑1 use
At NYMVCare, we evaluate the whole picture: your PAD stage, comorbidities (diabetes, kidney disease), current meds, and goals. If a GLP‑1 is right for you, we coordinate with your primary care and endocrinology teams, optimize your antiplatelet and statin therapy, enroll you in supervised or structured home‑based exercise, and track your progress with ABI and ultrasound as needed. (American College of Cardiology)
The bottom line
GLP‑1 medications are no longer just “weight‑loss shots.” For the right patients, they reduce major heart events and help PAD patients walk farther—on top of standard medical and exercise therapy. If you’re curious whether a GLP‑1 fits your vascular plan, call 1-877-877-1118 or request an appointment online for a tailored consult. (New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, Reuters, ScienceDirect, American College of Cardiology)
Educational content; not medical advice.
