Does Semaglutide Lower Blood Pressure?

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Semaglutide is a well-known medication approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity and has gained a lot of attention for having strong effects on blood pressure. This has brought up the question of whether semaglutide lowers blood pressure, and if it does, what are the implications for patients?

Semaglutide has had a significant impact on blood pressure reduction, even in patients who don’t have diabetes. In this article, we look closer at whether Semaglutide can reduce blood pressure while looking at scientific evidence and clinical trials. 

What is Semaglutide? 

Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for treating type 2 diabetes. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist was initially used as a diabetes medication, but later on, it found use as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management. It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or orally. 

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. Wegovy is the only Semaglutide brand approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. 

Other uses include lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack. In terms of diabetes, it only works in the treatment of type 2.

The drug reduces high blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin released. It also lowers glucagon release and can control appetite by delaying gastric emptying. It lowers the risk of heart attacks and negative cardiovascular effects in people with diabetes.

There are some side effects to taking semaglutide. The common effects include:

• Low blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. 
• Heartburn. 
• Bloating.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Upset stomach.
• Burping.
• Gas. 
• Nausea.
• Pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Flu symptoms.
• Dizziness.

Semaglutide has become a popular drug for diabetes and weight loss, with CNN reporting that 1.7% of people in the US have been prescribed it in 2023, which was up 40-fold over the previous five years. 

Semaglutide Effects on Hypertension 

There is high-quality evidence that suggests that semaglutide has significant effects on hypertension, especially in individuals with obesity and with or without diabetes. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), semaglutide offers potential benefits in managing hypertension, which is a common condition in individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

Effect of Semaglutide on Blood Pressure 

Studies have shown that semaglutide has a higher chance of lowering and increasing blood pressure. It causes a significant reduction in blood pressure, even in those who initially had normal blood pressure. When used in patients without diabetes, it can still lower blood pressure. This is why some studies have explored semaglutide as a way to treat high blood pressure related to obesity. 

Semaglutide works in lowering blood pressure by targeting excess body weight, which is often connected to hypertension. The blood pressure-lowering effects may involve mechanisms including: 

• Weight loss.
• Reduced salt intake.
• Inflammation reduction.
• But, not blood glucose regulation. 

This effect affects both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The effect of semaglutide has not only been seen in patients with type 2 diabetes. It has also been observed in normotensive populations without diabetes, which suggests that the drug may be used to manage hypertension on its own. Semaglutide is effective for blood pressure reduction as a shot or a pill. 

Semaglutide and Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction 

Systolic blood pressure is the maximum blood pressure recorded during a contraction of the ventricles, and it is known as a better predictor of risk for hypertension. On the other hand, diastolic is the minimum pressure recorded just before the next contraction. 

A recent study on the impact of semaglutide on systolic and diastolic blood pressure found that it does not significantly affect diastolic BP in patients with type 2 diabetes as it does for systolic BP. 

Semaglutide can significantly lower systolic blood pressure, as it has specifically demonstrated an impact on this blood pressure. The reduction in blood pressure usually coincides with weight loss, which indicates a potential relationship between semaglutide-induced weight loss and blood pressure reduction.  

Parameters

Effect on Systolic BP

Effect on Diastolic BP

Magnitude of Reduction 

Approximately 5 mmHg reduction

Approximately 2.5 mmHg reduction

Change in BP before and after Semaglutide 

-2.31 mmHg

0.009 mmHg (did not reach statistical significance)

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Semaglutide Treatment for Diabetes 

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Healthcare providers have used Semaglutide for almost two decades to treat type 2 diabetes and it is often the preferred option. It replicates the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating and is meant to prompt the body to produce more insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar or glucose. 

Semaglutide can promote glycemic control by improving insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon. Its impact on the GLP-1 hormone also affects weight loss. It is administered with a once-weekly dosing regimen, which is more convenient than other antidiabetic medications. 

Semaglutide’s Effect on Blood Pressure in Diabetic Individuals 

Aside from providing glycemic management, studies have shown that semaglutide has notable effects on reducing blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Following semaglutide treatment, individuals experience reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, even if their blood pressure was normal initially. Thus, an assessment of blood pressure is essential.

People with type 2 diabetes are often characterized by poor control of blood pressure, and hypertension occurs in two-thirds of patients. This makes it important for patients to reduce blood pressure while managing their condition, and it seems like Semaglutide can do that. 

Weight Management Effects on Semaglutide in Diabetic Individuals 

Semaglutide does not only reduce glucose and blood pressure but also has effects on weight loss in diabetic individuals. Semaglutide therapy has long been associated with substantial weight loss, and it is the first drug since Saxenda was approved to treat chronic weight management. 

It has proven effective in weight reduction in the treatment of obesity, with its long-term efficacy and safety being confirmed for up to two years, according to this study. When combined with other medicines, it can lead to weight gain. It’s a valuable treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

The beneficial effects of Semaglutide reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related complications in diabetic individuals, including cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

Semaglutide for Non-Diabetic Individuals 

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The FDA has approved Semaglutide for weight management in non-diabetic individuals. The once-to-weekly injectable medication can do the following:

• Reduce appetite.
• Increase fullness after meals.
• Minimize cravings.
• Enhance energy levels.

It’s one of the leading weight loss drugs for adults with obesity who want to cut calories. 

Non-diabetic individuals must be recommended by their healthcare provider for a medical weight loss program to qualify for Semaglutide injections. The condition is that the patient is overweight and has one weight-related health condition. It’s important to note that obesity accounts for 65% to 78% of primary hypertension in people, leading to increased blood pressure.

Semaglutide’s Effect on Blood Pressure in Non-Diabetic Individuals 

Semaglutide works the same way for adults without diabetes. It leads to reductions in blood pressure in people with obesity and without diabetes. Even if the patient does not have high blood pressure, taking this drug can reduce their blood pressure.

It also reduces the amount of blood pressure medication that people receiving anti-hypertensive treatment and those with obesity have to take. This gives semaglutide potential as a drug for hypertension-related obesity. It is also useful in blood pressure regulation for those with metabolic syndrome. 

Weight Management Effects on Semaglutide in Non-Diabetic Individuals 

As mentioned earlier, semaglutide is suitable for weight management in individuals without diabetes, particularly those who are obese or overweight. Semaglutide’s mechanism includes delaying gastric emptying and increasing feelings of satiety, which would reduce your appetite and cause body weight loss. 

Clinical trials on the use of Semaglutide for weight management in non-diabetic populations indicated significant reductions in weight in obese individuals, compared to placebo. Furthermore, the weight loss related to Semaglutide treatment also extends to reductions in waist circumference and better lipid profiles. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, yes, Semaglutide lowers blood pressure. Semaglutide can reduce blood pressure in individuals with or without type-2 diabetes. It can be used to treat hypertension related to type-2 diabetes or obesity, although further research is needed before it is considered as a form of treatment for hypertension. 

Taking Semaglutide can result in lower blood sugar, body mass index, and blood pressure, making it a multifaceted medication. Individuals need to get a prescription from their healthcare provider to prevent a negative impact on blood pressure. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Does Semaglutide Lower Blood Pressure?

Can Semaglutide Affect Your Blood Pressure? 

Yes, Semaglutide can affect your blood pressure by significantly reducing it in individuals with or without type-2 diabetics. It also lowers blood pressure levels in those who have it in the normal range. 

What is the Negative Side of Semaglutide? 

Semaglutide can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and tiredness. It can also lead to swelling, redness or itching at the injection site and has a very small yet potential risk of gallbladder disease with long-term use.

What Does Semaglutide Do To Your Heart? 

Semaglutide has been reported to reduce the risk of adverse heart problems or cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes. Also, it reduces the risk of heart failure, attack or death from heart disease by 20% in obese individuals who have heart disease but not diabetes.

What Are The Long-Term Side Effects of Semaglutide? 

The long-term side effects of Semaglutide include gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, vision changes, negative effects on your kidney, gallbladder and pancreas, and infection. It can cause numbness on the injection site, abdominal pain, and constipation. 

What Can You Not Do On Semaglutide? 

When on Semaglutide, avoid taking fried foods, foods high in saturated fat, spicy food, baked goods, ice cream, beverages with added sugar, candy, and fatty protein cuts. It’s also important to eat despite the decreased appetite that the drug causes or you may experience fatigue, dizziness and malaise. It’s recommended to take bland foods and plain water.

Can Semaglutide Lower Blood Pressure?

Yes, Semaglutide can cause a decrease in blood pressure in patients with or without diabetics and with or without obesity. It has a more significant impact on systolic blood pressure than diastolic and reduces the amount of medication for hypertension in the patient. But, further research is required. 

Does Semaglutide Affect the Heart? 

Semaglutide affects heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease in people with obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular risks who don’t have diabetes. But it’s important to note that Semaglutide can increase heart rate as a side effect, which may cause a cardiovascular event.

Does Semaglutide Have Other Cardiovascular Benefits? 

Some of the cardiovascular benefits of Semaglutide include reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. It reduces cardiovascular outcomes associated with obesity while lowering body mass index and blood sugar. 

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Disclaimer

Off-Label Use: When discussing off-label uses, such as using Ozempic for weight loss, make it clear that this is not FDA-approved for that purpose. For example, you can add a disclaimer like: “While Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, this use is not FDA-approved.”

Medical Advice Disclaimer: Clearly state that the article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Encourage readers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.