Blood pressure reduction in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist users in a family medicine clinic

Background Hypertension remains increasingly prevalent, affecting an estimated 45.4% of adults in the United States (Ostchega et al., 2017-2018; National Center for Health Statistics, 2020). It is a common comorbidity in individuals with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), are an effective treatment for T2DM and obesity. Although some meta-analyses have shown that patients on GLP-1 RAs experience modest blood pressure lowering, there have not been any studies that look at this as a primary end point. Objective This study aimed to determine the blood pressure–lowering effect of GLP-1 RAs on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults within 1 year of initiation. Methods This study was single center, observational, and retrospective. Patients were identified for inclusion if they were prescribed a GLP-1 RA between December 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021. GLP-1 RA use was defined as at least 2 prescriptions for the same GLP-1 RA, authorized on different dates. Clinic-measured blood pressures from baseline to 1 year after the initiation of GLP-1 RA therapy were collected. Results A total of 77 participants were evaluated for change in blood pressure from baseline to 1 year after GLP-1 RA initiation. Most participants were prescribed semaglutide injection (33.77%) or dulaglutide injection (36.36%). For the primary outcome, there was a statistically significant change in systolic blood pressure from baseline to 1 year after initiation of GLP-1 RA therapy. There was no statistically significant change in diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion From baseline to 1 year, GLP-1 receptor agonists lowered blood pressure with statistical significance. Therefore, in someone with hypertension and another compelling indication, GLP-1 RAs may be a good option for comprehensive management of comorbidities.