Table of Contents
Introduction
Tirzepatide is a newer type of medicine that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It belongs to a group of drugs called incretin-based therapies. These medicines work by copying the actions of natural hormones in the body that help control blood sugar and appetite. Tirzepatide is different from earlier drugs because it acts on two hormone pathways at the same time: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By activating both of these receptors, tirzepatide can lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and improve several parts of metabolic health. Because of these effects, it has been approved for treating type 2 diabetes, and it is also being studied and used for obesity treatment.
While most people focus on tirzepatide’s ability to lower blood sugar and help with weight management, another very important area of research is its impact on the heart and blood vessels. Doctors and scientists pay close attention to how new diabetes and weight-loss medications affect the cardiovascular system. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and long-term risks such as heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. This is because many people who are prescribed tirzepatide already have health conditions that affect the heart, or they are at high risk of developing them. For this reason, it is not enough to only look at how well the drug lowers blood sugar or body weight. Safety for the heart must also be studied carefully.
One specific question that has come up in both research and online searches is whether tirzepatide increases resting heart rate. This is important because a higher resting heart rate has been linked in many studies to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems over time. Even a modest rise in heart rate could raise concern, especially for people who already have heart disease. At the same time, tirzepatide appears to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol, which are positive changes for heart health. This creates an interesting balance between possible risks and potential benefits.
Because of this, patients and healthcare providers are asking many questions. For example: Does tirzepatide cause the heart to beat faster? Does it raise the risk of irregular rhythms or palpitations? Is it safe for people who already have heart disease? How does it compare with other medications in the same class? And what do large clinical trials tell us so far about its long-term cardiovascular safety?
The answers to these questions are not only important for people with diabetes but also for the growing number of individuals taking tirzepatide for weight management. Obesity itself is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and weight loss usually lowers the risk of problems such as high blood pressure, blocked arteries, or heart failure. However, if a weight-loss medication also increases heart rate, doctors must weigh the overall benefit and risk.
Another key reason why this topic matters is that regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require strong evidence of cardiovascular safety for all new diabetes medications. This means that drug companies must run very large clinical trials, often involving thousands of patients, to test whether these drugs increase, decrease, or have no effect on major cardiovascular events. With tirzepatide, some of these trials have already been completed, while others are still ongoing. Until the results are final, doctors rely on early findings from shorter studies and clinical experience to guide their decisions.
The purpose of this article is to bring together what is currently known about tirzepatide and its impact on heart rate and cardiovascular health. We will carefully review results from clinical trials, explain what has been observed so far, and highlight what is still unknown. We will also look at how tirzepatide compares with similar medications, what biological mechanisms may explain its effects, and how doctors recommend monitoring patients who take it.
This introduction sets the stage for a deeper look at the subject. Over the following sections, we will answer the most common questions asked about tirzepatide and heart rate. These questions come directly from what patients are searching for online and what doctors are discussing in research. Each section will cover a different part of the topic, such as blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, long-term safety, and monitoring. By the end of the article, readers should have a clear, evidence-based understanding of how tirzepatide affects the heart and what this means for both everyday use and long-term health.
In short, tirzepatide is a powerful new treatment that shows great promise in controlling blood sugar and reducing body weight, but like all medications, it is important to study its full impact on the body. The heart is at the center of this discussion, and understanding how tirzepatide affects heart rate and cardiovascular health is essential for safe and effective care.
What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide is a new type of medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes and to support weight loss. It belongs to a group of drugs called incretin-based therapies. Incretins are natural hormones that the body makes after eating food. They help control blood sugar, regulate appetite, and affect how the heart and blood vessels work.
Unlike older drugs, tirzepatide is unique because it works on two incretin hormone pathways at the same time. These pathways are:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor
This “dual action” is why tirzepatide is often called a dual incretin agonist. Most other medicines in this category, such as semaglutide or liraglutide, only act on GLP-1. By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP, tirzepatide may offer stronger effects on blood sugar and body weight. Researchers are also studying whether this dual action has unique effects on the heart and circulation.
How GLP-1 Works in the Body
The GLP-1 hormone is released from the intestine after eating. It has several important effects:
- Stimulates insulin release: GLP-1 tells the pancreas to release insulin, but only when blood sugar is high. This lowers blood sugar safely.
- Suppresses glucagon: Glucagon is another hormone that raises blood sugar. By lowering glucagon, GLP-1 helps keep glucose levels steady.
- Slows stomach emptying: This means food leaves the stomach more slowly, leading to smaller rises in blood sugar after meals.
- Reduces appetite: GLP-1 acts on the brain to reduce hunger, which helps with weight loss.
Because of these effects, GLP-1 receptor agonists are powerful tools for controlling diabetes and obesity. They also seem to have protective effects on the heart, as shown in many clinical trials.
How GIP Works in the Body
The GIP hormone also comes from the gut after eating, but it works a little differently:
- Supports insulin release: Like GLP-1, GIP boosts insulin when glucose levels are high.
- May influence fat metabolism: Research suggests GIP affects how the body stores and uses fat.
- May interact with appetite control: While less studied than GLP-1, GIP may also play a role in reducing hunger.
In the past, GIP was thought to be less important for treating diabetes because its effects seemed weaker. But newer research suggests that when combined with GLP-1 activity, GIP may improve blood sugar control and weight loss even more than GLP-1 alone.
Why Combining GLP-1 and GIP Matters
Tirzepatide was designed to take advantage of both GLP-1 and GIP effects. By activating both receptors, tirzepatide:
- Improves blood sugar control more than many older drugs.
- Leads to greater weight loss compared to medicines that target only GLP-1.
- May affect cardiovascular health in unique ways, such as lowering blood pressure while slightly raising heart rate.
This “dual incretin” approach is considered a major breakthrough in diabetes and obesity medicine.
Approved Uses of Tirzepatide
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tirzepatide under two brand names:
- Mounjaro® – for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
- Zepbound® – for weight management in people with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.
This dual approval reflects its broad usefulness beyond blood sugar control. Because obesity itself raises the risk of heart disease, tirzepatide’s effects on weight are especially important for long-term health.
Why Its Cardiovascular Profile Is Under Study
Any medicine that changes hormones affecting metabolism will also influence the heart and blood vessels. For tirzepatide, scientists pay close attention to its effects on:
- Heart rate – Some incretin drugs raise resting heart rate by a few beats per minute.
- Blood pressure – Tirzepatide often lowers blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure.
- Cholesterol and triglycerides – Weight loss and metabolic changes improve these markers, which may protect the heart.
- Major cardiovascular outcomes – Studies are underway to see if tirzepatide reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease.
Because people with type 2 diabetes and obesity often already have heart problems, it is important to know whether tirzepatide is fully safe for long-term use in this group. Early evidence is promising, but long-term trials are still ongoing.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, making it different from other diabetes and weight loss drugs. It helps the body control blood sugar, reduces appetite, and supports weight loss. It also has effects on the cardiovascular system, such as lowering blood pressure and slightly raising heart rate. Researchers continue to study its long-term impact on heart health, but current results suggest that it has both powerful metabolic benefits and important cardiovascular effects.
Does Tirzepatide Increase Heart Rate?
Tirzepatide is a newer medicine that is being studied for type 2 diabetes and weight management. One of the most common questions people have is whether it raises heart rate. Heart rate, sometimes called “pulse,” is the number of times your heart beats per minute. For most adults at rest, a normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Doctors often look at heart rate because it is a basic sign of how the heart is working and because changes in heart rate can sometimes signal stress on the heart.
Evidence from Clinical Trials
When researchers test a new drug, they carefully record changes in heart rate. For tirzepatide, this information comes from several large clinical trials, including the SURPASS trials (which studied type 2 diabetes) and the SURMOUNT trials (which studied weight loss in people with obesity, with or without diabetes).
In these trials, researchers found that people taking tirzepatide did experience a small rise in resting heart rate compared to people not taking the drug. The increase was generally 2 to 4 beats per minute on average. This rise was consistent with what has been seen with other drugs in the same family, called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
It is important to note that the increase was not considered dangerous in the short-term studies. Most participants did not report symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or fainting that would suggest a serious heart rhythm problem.
How Big Is the Increase?
To understand the size of this change, let’s compare it with everyday situations. If you stand up from sitting, your heart rate can rise by 10–15 beats per minute. If you drink a cup of coffee, your heart rate might go up by 3–7 beats per minute. So, the increase seen with tirzepatide is relatively small.
Still, even small changes can be meaningful when you take a medicine every week for months or years. That is why doctors and scientists pay close attention to this effect.
Why Does Tirzepatide Raise Heart Rate?
The exact reason is not fully understood, but researchers have some theories:
- Nervous system effects – GLP-1 based drugs, including tirzepatide, may activate the part of the nervous system that increases alertness and readiness (the “sympathetic” nervous system). This can make the heart beat a little faster.
- Metabolic changes – As the body loses weight and blood sugar improves, there may be shifts in hormones and metabolism that also influence heart rate.
- Direct heart effects – GLP-1 receptors are found in the heart and blood vessels. Stimulating these receptors might directly change how the heart’s pacemaker cells work.
How Does This Compare to Other Drugs?
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, also show a rise in resting heart rate of 2–4 beats per minute. Tirzepatide, being a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, shows a similar pattern. This suggests that the effect is not unique to tirzepatide but rather a feature of this drug class.
Doctors consider this when prescribing. The main question is whether the benefits (such as lower blood sugar, weight loss, and lower blood pressure) outweigh the small heart rate rise.
Is the Heart Rate Increase Harmful?
So far, studies have not shown that the rise in heart rate with tirzepatide leads to harmful effects such as higher rates of heart attacks or strokes. In fact, weight loss and better diabetes control reduce many cardiovascular risks.
However, scientists are cautious. A persistently higher resting heart rate over years might, in some cases, increase the workload of the heart. Because of this, long-term studies are still ongoing to see if tirzepatide’s effect on heart rate has any lasting consequences.
Who Should Be Careful?
While most people tolerate the heart rate rise without problems, some groups should be more closely monitored:
- People with arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Even small increases in rate could trigger symptoms.
- People with heart failure. Their hearts already work harder, so changes in pulse should be watched.
- People with very high resting heart rate before starting treatment.
For these patients, doctors may check heart rate and blood pressure more often.
Tirzepatide does increase heart rate slightly, usually by about 2–4 beats per minute. This change is small compared to everyday fluctuations, and so far, it has not been linked to dangerous events in short-term studies. The rise in heart rate is similar to what is seen with other medicines in the same class. Researchers believe the effect may come from nervous system stimulation, metabolic changes, or direct heart receptor activity.
While the increase is not considered harmful for most patients, doctors keep an eye on people with existing heart problems. Ongoing long-term studies will help clarify whether this small rise has any impact on cardiovascular health over many years.
How Does Tirzepatide Affect Blood Pressure?
When looking at any new medicine for diabetes and weight loss, doctors always study how it affects blood pressure. Blood pressure is an important part of heart health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Because tirzepatide changes the way the body processes blood sugar and fat, researchers have also studied its effect on blood pressure.
In this section, we will break down what is known from clinical trials, explain the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes, and discuss possible reasons why tirzepatide can lower blood pressure even while it slightly raises heart rate.
Understanding Blood Pressure Basics
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure: the top number. This is the pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure: the bottom number. This is the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. Numbers higher than this, especially above 130/80 mmHg, can increase the risk of heart problems.
Blood Pressure Effects Seen in Clinical Trials
Several large studies, such as the SURPASS clinical trial program, tested tirzepatide in thousands of people with type 2 diabetes. Other trials, such as SURMOUNT, looked at people with obesity who did not have diabetes.
Across these studies, tirzepatide consistently lowered blood pressure. This effect was seen in both systolic and diastolic readings. On average:
- Systolic blood pressure (top number) dropped by about 5 to 7 mmHg.
- Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) dropped by about 2 to 4 mmHg.
For some people with higher starting blood pressure, the reduction was even greater. This is important because even a small drop of 5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Differences Between Systolic and Diastolic Changes
The drop in systolic blood pressure is usually larger than the drop in diastolic pressure. This pattern is common when weight loss and metabolic changes are the main drivers.
- Systolic pressure is strongly linked to body weight, artery stiffness, and fluid retention. Because tirzepatide helps people lose weight and improves blood sugar, it makes sense that systolic pressure falls more.
- Diastolic pressure is less affected by weight changes and more linked to resistance in small blood vessels. While tirzepatide does reduce diastolic pressure, the change is usually smaller.
This difference does not mean one number is more important than the other. Both matter, but doctors pay close attention to systolic pressure when evaluating heart risk.
Why Does Tirzepatide Lower Blood Pressure?
There are several reasons why tirzepatide may help reduce blood pressure:
- Weight loss: Tirzepatide can lead to large weight loss, often 15% or more of body weight in clinical trials. Weight loss itself is one of the strongest ways to lower blood pressure.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Better blood sugar control reduces strain on blood vessels. High blood sugar can damage vessel walls and increase stiffness. Tirzepatide helps improve this.
- Lower inflammation: Obesity and diabetes are linked to inflammation, which can raise blood pressure. Tirzepatide lowers markers of inflammation, helping blood vessels relax.
- Reduced fluid retention: Some diabetes medicines cause the body to hold onto water and salt, which raises blood pressure. Tirzepatide does not seem to do this. In fact, by improving metabolism, it may reduce the body’s tendency to retain extra fluid.
Balancing Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
One of the most interesting findings with tirzepatide is that blood pressure goes down while heart rate goes up slightly. Normally, a higher heart rate might increase blood pressure, but this does not happen here.
Researchers believe this is because the weight loss and vessel relaxation effects are stronger than the small increase in heart rate. In other words, the body’s blood vessels become more open and flexible, which lowers pressure despite the heart beating a little faster.
Clinical Significance
The blood pressure reduction from tirzepatide is considered clinically meaningful. Even small drops can have a large effect over time:
- A 5 mmHg reduction in systolic pressure can reduce the risk of stroke by about 10%.
- Lower blood pressure also reduces the risk of kidney disease and heart failure.
This is important for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, since they already face higher risks for heart disease.
What Do Clinical Trials Say About Tirzepatide and Cardiovascular Outcomes?
When a new medicine for diabetes or weight loss is developed, one of the most important questions doctors and patients ask is: “How does it affect the heart?” This is because people with type 2 diabetes or obesity already have a higher risk of heart problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. For this reason, large clinical trials are done not only to test how well the medicine lowers blood sugar or helps with weight loss, but also to see if it is safe for the heart.
Tirzepatide, a medicine that works on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, has been tested in several big trials. The most well-known series of studies are called SURPASS (for people with type 2 diabetes) and SURMOUNT (for people with obesity). These trials looked at many health effects, including blood sugar control, weight changes, blood pressure, and heart rate. Some of them also collected information about heart and blood vessel outcomes.
Cardiovascular Safety in SURPASS Trials
The SURPASS program included multiple studies with thousands of people who had type 2 diabetes. While the main goal of these studies was to measure how much tirzepatide lowered HbA1c (a long-term blood sugar measure) and body weight, they also tracked cardiovascular events. These events included non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes.
In pooled analyses across SURPASS trials, tirzepatide did not show an increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to other diabetes treatments like insulin or semaglutide. In fact, the early signals suggested that tirzepatide might reduce cardiovascular events, though the data were not yet strong enough to make final conclusions.
One consistent finding across the SURPASS trials was that resting heart rate increased slightly in patients on tirzepatide. This increase was generally small—on average 2 to 4 beats per minute. While this change was noted, it did not translate into higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, or arrhythmias during the study period. Doctors are continuing to watch this closely in longer-term studies.
Blood Pressure and Weight Effects
Another important outcome from the SURPASS trials was the effect on blood pressure. Many participants had high blood pressure at the start. With tirzepatide treatment, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure tended to decrease. For example, some studies reported drops of about 5 to 7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure. This lowering of blood pressure is seen as beneficial because it reduces strain on the heart and blood vessels.
At the same time, participants taking tirzepatide lost a significant amount of weight, often more than with other diabetes drugs. Weight loss itself improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and easing the workload on the heart. These benefits may offset the small rise in heart rate.
SURMOUNT Trials: Weight Management and Heart Outcomes
The SURMOUNT program tested tirzepatide in people with overweight or obesity, many of whom did not have diabetes. These trials showed that tirzepatide led to large and sustained weight loss. In addition, participants often showed improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar (even if they were not diabetic), and markers of cardiovascular risk such as cholesterol levels.
Although the SURMOUNT trials were not designed primarily to measure cardiovascular events, they give important clues. The combination of weight loss, blood pressure reduction, and better metabolic control suggests a likely positive effect on heart health. Again, a slight increase in resting heart rate was noted, but no increase in heart-related emergencies was reported during the trial periods.
The SURPASS-CVOT Trial
Because early results were promising, a large dedicated study called SURPASS-CVOT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) is now underway. This trial is designed specifically to answer the question: “Does tirzepatide reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to dulaglutide (another GLP-1 medicine)?”
The SURPASS-CVOT trial includes over 12,000 participants with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk. It is tracking rates of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death, and other outcomes. Results are expected in the mid-2020s. This study will provide the strongest evidence so far on whether tirzepatide has protective benefits for the heart beyond blood sugar control and weight loss.
Current Regulatory and Clinical View
Right now, health authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) consider tirzepatide to be safe for the heart based on existing data. The small rise in heart rate is acknowledged, but no harmful effect on major cardiovascular events has been seen in clinical trials to date.
Doctors prescribing tirzepatide are encouraged to monitor blood pressure and heart rate, especially in patients who already have heart disease. However, the overall risk-benefit balance appears favorable because of the strong improvements in weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure—all of which reduce cardiovascular risk in the long run.
Can Tirzepatide Cause Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeats?
When people begin a new medicine, especially one that affects metabolism and weight, they often wonder about side effects on the heart. Tirzepatide, like other incretin-based medicines, has been studied closely for its impact on heart rhythm and overall cardiovascular safety. One of the most common concerns is whether it can cause palpitations or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Let’s look at what palpitations mean, what clinical studies have found, and what doctors recommend for monitoring.
Understanding Palpitations and Arrhythmias
Palpitations are the feeling that your heart is beating too fast, too hard, fluttering, or skipping a beat. They may feel uncomfortable, but they are not always a sign of a serious problem. Many people experience palpitations occasionally due to stress, caffeine, dehydration, or even lack of sleep.
Arrhythmias, on the other hand, are actual changes in the electrical activity of the heart. These can range from harmless extra beats to more serious rhythm problems that may require treatment. The most common types include:
- Tachycardia: heart beating too fast.
- Bradycardia: heart beating too slow.
- Atrial fibrillation: an irregular and often rapid rhythm.
It is important to know that not all palpitations equal an arrhythmia. Some people may feel palpitations even when the heart rhythm is normal, while others may not feel anything during a true arrhythmia.
What Clinical Studies Show About Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide has been studied in large clinical trials such as the SURPASS program (focused on type 2 diabetes) and the SURMOUNT program (focused on obesity and weight management). These trials included thousands of participants and carefully tracked heart-related side effects.
- Heart Rate: In many studies, people taking tirzepatide experienced a small increase in resting heart rate. This rise was usually around 2 to 4 beats per minute on average. While small, this change is consistent with other medicines in the GLP-1 receptor agonist family.
- Palpitations: Reports of palpitations were uncommon. A small number of participants described sensations of fast or pounding heartbeats, but the rates were low and often similar to those in placebo groups.
- Arrhythmias: Serious rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation or dangerous tachycardias were not significantly increased in people taking tirzepatide compared to those not taking the medicine.
This means that while a few people may notice palpitations, the medicine has not been shown to cause major arrhythmias or increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm events.
Why Might Tirzepatide Affect the Heart’s Rhythm?
Researchers believe the small increase in heart rate and rare reports of palpitations may be related to several factors:
- Autonomic Nervous System Effects: Tirzepatide may slightly shift the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems, leading to mild increases in heart rate.
- Weight Loss and Metabolic Changes: Rapid weight loss and changes in glucose metabolism can sometimes trigger temporary adjustments in heart rhythm.
- Improved Circulation: As blood pressure lowers and blood sugar improves, the body may adapt in ways that briefly affect heart rhythm signals.
Most of these effects are small and do not cause harm, but they can explain why a patient might feel their heart beat differently after starting treatment.
Safety Monitoring and Recommendations
Doctors generally consider tirzepatide safe for the heart, but because every patient is different, monitoring is important. Here are common recommendations:
- Baseline Check: Before starting tirzepatide, providers often check blood pressure, resting heart rate, and sometimes an electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with existing heart problems.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Patients are encouraged to check their pulse or report any unusual symptoms like fluttering, racing heartbeat, or chest discomfort.
- When to Seek Care: If palpitations are persistent, come with dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, medical attention should be sought right away. These symptoms may signal something more serious than a simple side effect.
- Special Populations: People with known arrhythmias, heart failure, or pacemakers should be monitored more closely. Doctors may choose more frequent follow-up or even continuous monitoring in higher-risk individuals.
Tirzepatide may cause mild changes in heart rate, and a few patients may notice palpitations. However, large trials show no evidence of increased risk for serious irregular heartbeats. For most patients, these effects are minor and manageable. Still, ongoing monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers remain essential, especially for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions.
Is Tirzepatide Safe for People with Heart Disease?
Tirzepatide is a new medicine that is used for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management. Because many people with diabetes or obesity also have heart disease, doctors and patients often ask: Is tirzepatide safe for people with heart problems? This is an important question, since the heart and blood vessels are already at higher risk in these groups.
In this section, we will review what is known so far about tirzepatide in people with heart disease. We will look at what the research shows, what doctors consider when prescribing it, and what the possible risks and benefits are for those with existing heart conditions.
Why Heart Safety Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Conditions such as coronary artery disease (blocked heart arteries), heart failure, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms are very common in these patients. Because of this, any new drug used in these groups must be studied carefully to make sure it does not make heart problems worse.
Tirzepatide, like other drugs in its class, can change blood pressure and heart rate. It also causes significant weight loss and improves blood sugar control. These changes can all affect the heart, both in positive and negative ways. That is why researchers and regulators require careful testing before approving the drug for widespread use.
Evidence from Clinical Trials
Most of the data we have on tirzepatide and heart health comes from large trials such as the SURPASS studies (for type 2 diabetes) and the SURMOUNT studies (for obesity and weight loss).
- Heart rate: These trials showed that tirzepatide causes a small increase in resting heart rate, usually about 2–4 beats per minute. For most people, this rise is not dangerous, but in patients with severe heart disease it may need monitoring.
- Blood pressure: At the same time, tirzepatide lowered blood pressure in many participants. Lower blood pressure reduces strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Major heart events: In pooled analyses of clinical trials, tirzepatide did not show an increase in serious cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. In fact, ongoing trials are designed to see if it might reduce these events over the long term.
At this point, tirzepatide has not been shown to be harmful to the heart in people with existing disease. However, final answers about long-term safety will come from dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials, such as SURPASS-CVOT, which is still ongoing.
Use in Patients with Different Types of Heart Disease
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): For people with blocked arteries or past heart attacks, the main concern is whether tirzepatide could trigger rhythm changes or increased oxygen demand from the heart. So far, trials have not shown a higher risk of new heart attacks, but close monitoring is suggested.
- Heart failure: People with heart failure often have weaker pumping function and may retain fluid. Weight loss and lower blood pressure from tirzepatide could actually help reduce strain on the heart. However, the mild increase in heart rate needs to be watched, especially in those with advanced heart failure.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat): Only a small number of people in trials reported palpitations or abnormal rhythms. There is no strong evidence that tirzepatide directly causes dangerous arrhythmias. Still, patients with existing arrhythmias should be monitored when starting treatment.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
For patients with heart disease, tirzepatide offers some clear benefits:
- Weight loss reduces pressure on the heart.
- Better blood sugar control lowers the risk of heart complications from diabetes.
- Lower blood pressure protects blood vessels and reduces stroke risk.
The possible risks include:
- A small rise in resting heart rate.
- Potential stress on the heart in people with severe heart failure or unstable heart conditions.
- Limited data so far on very long-term cardiovascular safety.
Doctors usually weigh these factors before prescribing tirzepatide to a patient with heart disease. In many cases, the benefits of weight loss and improved blood sugar outweigh the small risks.
Current Guideline Perspectives
Professional medical groups are waiting for the results of the cardiovascular outcome trial to give strong recommendations. But at this time, tirzepatide is not considered unsafe for people with stable heart disease. Most guidelines support its use in patients who can benefit from its glucose-lowering and weight-reducing effects, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring.
Practical Considerations for Patients
For patients with heart disease who start tirzepatide, doctors may recommend:
- Checking blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
- Reporting any new chest pain, dizziness, or irregular heartbeats.
- Following up more often during the first months of treatment.
- Combining tirzepatide with other standard heart medicines as advised by their cardiologist.
Tirzepatide appears to be safe for many people with heart disease, based on the current evidence. It can cause a mild increase in heart rate but also lowers blood pressure and promotes weight loss, which are protective for the heart. Patients with severe heart problems may need closer monitoring, but overall, the balance of benefits and risks looks favorable.
How Does Tirzepatide Compare to Other GLP-1 Medications on Heart Rate?
Tirzepatide is a newer medicine that works on both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. Because of this dual action, it is often compared to other medicines that work only on GLP-1, such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. One of the most common questions people ask is how tirzepatide affects the heart compared to these older medicines, especially when it comes to heart rate.
Background: GLP-1 Medicines and Heart Rate
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a well-studied group of medicines used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Studies have shown that people taking GLP-1 RAs often see a small increase in resting heart rate. On average, this rise is between 2 to 4 beats per minute (bpm). While this is usually not dangerous for most people, doctors pay attention to it because a higher resting heart rate can sometimes raise concern about long-term heart health.
The reason GLP-1 drugs increase heart rate is not fully clear. Experts believe it may be due to changes in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions like breathing and heartbeat. GLP-1 drugs may also cause slight sympathetic activation (the “fight or flight” response), leading the heart to beat faster.
Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide
Semaglutide is one of the most widely used GLP-1 RAs. In clinical trials, semaglutide increased heart rate by about 2–3 bpm. Tirzepatide, according to studies such as SURPASS (for diabetes) and SURMOUNT (for obesity), shows a slightly higher average increase in resting heart rate compared to semaglutide. In many trials, tirzepatide raised heart rate by 3–5 bpm, depending on the dose (5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly).
This means that tirzepatide appears to cause a modestly greater increase in heart rate compared to semaglutide. However, the difference is small and often within the same overall range. Importantly, this increase in heart rate with tirzepatide did not lead to higher rates of heart problems during the trial follow-ups.
Tirzepatide vs. Liraglutide
Liraglutide was one of the first GLP-1 RAs tested for cardiovascular outcomes. In trials, liraglutide increased resting heart rate by about 2–3 bpm, similar to semaglutide. Compared to liraglutide, tirzepatide again shows a slightly higher effect. The rise with tirzepatide is a little stronger and appears more consistent across different patient groups.
Even though liraglutide and tirzepatide both raise heart rate, they also improve blood pressure and blood sugar control, which may balance the effects on cardiovascular health.
Tirzepatide vs. Dulaglutide
Dulaglutide is another GLP-1 RA with long-term data. Like liraglutide, it usually increases resting heart rate by 2–4 bpm. Some studies reported even smaller changes. Tirzepatide, in comparison, generally shows a larger rise in heart rate, averaging up to 5 bpm at higher doses.
Putting the Comparisons Together
Across the class of GLP-1 RAs, small increases in resting heart rate are expected. Tirzepatide appears to increase heart rate slightly more than semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. But the difference is not very large.
What makes tirzepatide unique is that it often leads to greater weight loss, larger improvements in blood sugar, and lower blood pressure compared to many of the older medicines. This means that while heart rate goes up a little more, other heart-protective effects may outweigh this rise.
Clinical Meaning of These Differences
Doctors and researchers are still studying whether the extra heart rate increase with tirzepatide has long-term effects. For now, the evidence suggests that:
- The rise in heart rate is modest and not linked to dangerous arrhythmias in clinical trials.
- Tirzepatide still shows overall cardiovascular benefits, especially through weight reduction and blood pressure improvements.
- Patients with existing heart conditions should have regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate while using tirzepatide.
When comparing tirzepatide to other GLP-1 medicines, the main point is this: all of these drugs increase heart rate slightly, and tirzepatide’s effect is somewhat higher than most of them. However, this small increase is balanced by strong benefits on weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Current evidence shows that the overall effect on heart health remains positive, but ongoing long-term studies will provide clearer answers.
What Mechanisms Explain Tirzepatide’s Effect on Heart Rate?
Tirzepatide is a new type of medicine that works on two hormones in the body: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones help control blood sugar and appetite. By working on both of them, tirzepatide lowers blood sugar and leads to weight loss. But along with these benefits, doctors have noticed that people taking tirzepatide often have a small but steady increase in resting heart rate. To understand why, it helps to look at how this medicine affects the body in different ways.
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system controls automatic body functions like breathing, digestion, and heart rate. It has two main parts:
- The sympathetic nervous system, often called the “fight or flight” system, which makes the heart beat faster and harder.
- The parasympathetic nervous system, also called the “rest and digest” system, which slows the heart rate down.
Research suggests that medicines like tirzepatide may increase sympathetic activity or slightly reduce parasympathetic activity. This shift creates a balance where the heart beats a little faster. The exact reason for this effect is not fully known, but studies of other GLP-1 medicines have shown the same pattern. It seems that stimulating GLP-1 receptors may send signals through the brain and nerves that raise heart rate by a few beats per minute.
Direct Effects on the Heart
Some scientists think tirzepatide may act directly on the heart muscle. GLP-1 receptors are present in heart tissue, and when they are activated, they may change how the heart’s pacemaker cells work. These are the special cells that set the rhythm of the heartbeat. The result could be a faster rhythm. However, this idea is still being studied, and so far, the nervous system explanation has more support.
Weight Loss and Metabolic Changes
One of tirzepatide’s strongest effects is weight loss. Many people lose a large amount of weight when taking it. Weight loss itself can affect heart rate. For example:
- When the body loses fat, the metabolism changes and hormones shift.
- The body may react to rapid weight loss by increasing sympathetic activity to maintain energy balance.
- As muscles become more sensitive to insulin, the heart may beat faster to supply more oxygen during everyday activity.
So, part of the heart rate increase may not come from the drug directly but from how the body adjusts to losing weight quickly.
Blood Pressure and Circulation
Tirzepatide usually lowers blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading). Lower blood pressure means the heart and blood vessels are under less strain. But in some cases, when blood pressure drops, the body responds by raising heart rate slightly to keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs. This is known as a compensatory response.
Therefore, the small rise in heart rate could be the body’s natural way of balancing the effects of lower blood pressure caused by tirzepatide.
Hormonal and Gut-Brain Signals
Tirzepatide influences many hormones beyond insulin and glucagon. It slows down digestion and changes signals between the gut and the brain. These changes can affect the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which in turn can raise heart rate. Even though these signals are mild, when repeated every day with treatment, they may add up to a noticeable effect.
Balance Between Benefits and Risks
It is important to remember that the rise in heart rate linked with tirzepatide is usually small—about 2 to 5 beats per minute on average. For most people, this is not dangerous. In fact, the positive effects of the medicine—such as better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, and significant weight loss—are likely to reduce overall strain on the heart.
However, doctors still want to know if the steady increase in heart rate could have long-term consequences, especially for people who already have heart disease or irregular heart rhythms. This is why large clinical trials are being carried out to see if the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
Why Understanding Mechanisms Matters
Knowing why tirzepatide raises heart rate helps doctors decide how to use it safely. If the increase comes mainly from nervous system activity, then monitoring and long-term follow-up will be important. If it turns out to be a direct effect on the heart muscle, that may guide future research into new medicines. For patients, the key message is that the rise in heart rate is usually small and is being closely studied by researchers to ensure the medicine is safe in the long run.
What Are the Long-Term Implications for Cardiovascular Health?
Tirzepatide is a new medicine that works for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Like other medicines in its class, it has effects not only on blood sugar and body weight but also on the heart and blood vessels. Because the heart is so important to overall health, many people ask what tirzepatide might mean for the heart in the long run. This section explains what we know so far about long-term implications, why some effects may be helpful, why others raise concern, and what researchers are still studying.
The Issue of Resting Heart Rate
One of the consistent findings with tirzepatide use is a small but measurable increase in resting heart rate. This usually ranges from about 2 to 4 beats per minute compared to baseline. While this may seem small, medical researchers pay close attention to changes in resting heart rate because it can sometimes signal changes in how the body’s nervous system is balanced.
A higher resting heart rate, if sustained over many years, has been linked in some studies to a higher risk of heart problems. For example, long-term population studies suggest that people with a resting heart rate above 80 beats per minute may have higher rates of heart disease and stroke compared to those with lower heart rates. However, the heart rate increase seen with tirzepatide is usually modest and much lower than these thresholds. Still, it is something doctors continue to monitor.
Offsetting Benefits of Weight Loss
On the other side of the equation, tirzepatide produces significant weight loss in most people who take it. Many lose 15% to 20% of their body weight, which is similar to results seen with bariatric surgery. Losing weight at this level brings several major benefits for cardiovascular health. It can lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, improve cholesterol levels, and lower inflammation in blood vessels.
Even if resting heart rate is slightly higher, the positive effects of weight loss may outweigh this risk. Lower blood pressure and less fat around organs directly reduce the workload of the heart. Many researchers believe that the benefits of weight reduction will be greater than the small rise in heart rate for most patients.
Effects on Blood Pressure and Vascular Health
Tirzepatide has also been shown to lower blood pressure. In clinical studies, average systolic blood pressure (the top number) fell by 5 to 7 mmHg. This level of reduction is important. Every 5 mmHg drop in systolic pressure is linked to about a 10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events in the general population.
Blood vessels also tend to function better after weight loss and improved glucose control. Less insulin resistance and lower blood sugar reduce the damage to vessel walls that often happens in diabetes. Over time, this may mean less risk of plaque buildup and narrowing of arteries.
Glycemic Control and Heart Risk
Better blood sugar control is another benefit that matters for heart health. High blood sugar damages blood vessels, stiffens arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Tirzepatide has been shown to lower HbA1c levels (a measure of average blood sugar) by more than 2%. Such improvement helps protect the cardiovascular system over many years.
This benefit is especially important because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes. By improving both blood sugar and weight, tirzepatide attacks two of the biggest drivers of heart problems in this group.
Potential Risks of Long-Term Elevated Heart Rate
Still, the question remains whether the small rise in heart rate could have negative effects over many years. Some scientists worry that if this increase is sustained, it may raise the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or put extra stress on the heart muscle. So far, studies have not shown a major signal for dangerous arrhythmias with tirzepatide, but trials are still relatively short compared to the lifelong use that many patients may require.
This is why large cardiovascular outcome trials are essential. The ongoing SURPASS-CVOT study is designed to test whether tirzepatide reduces or increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death compared to standard care. Results from this trial will help answer whether the benefits truly outweigh the risks.
The Balance of Risks and Benefits
When looking at long-term implications, it is important to weigh all effects together. On one hand, tirzepatide slightly raises heart rate. On the other, it lowers blood pressure, improves blood sugar, reduces weight, and may improve cholesterol. Each of these factors plays a role in long-term cardiovascular health.
The balance so far suggests that the benefits are stronger than the potential risk from heart rate increase. For example, losing 15% of body weight and lowering systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg are both linked to major reductions in cardiovascular risk. These changes likely overshadow a 2–4 beat per minute increase in resting heart rate. But only long-term outcome data can confirm this.
Ongoing Research and Future Answers
The medical community continues to watch closely for more data. Because tirzepatide is a new drug, the longest studies so far cover only a few years. Long-term monitoring is needed to understand effects that may take decades to appear.
The results of cardiovascular outcome studies will provide clearer answers about heart attack, stroke, and heart failure risks. Until then, doctors will continue to prescribe tirzepatide carefully, especially for patients who already have heart conditions, while monitoring heart rate and blood pressure during treatment.
Tirzepatide has both positive and potentially concerning effects on the heart. The main concern is a small increase in resting heart rate. But the benefits include strong weight loss, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar, all of which protect cardiovascular health in the long run. Current evidence suggests that benefits outweigh risks, though ongoing studies will provide final proof. For patients and doctors, the key is careful monitoring and an individualized approach to treatment.
What Monitoring Is Recommended for Patients Taking Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a new medicine that has shown strong effects in lowering blood sugar and helping with weight loss. At the same time, it can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels. The most common cardiovascular change seen in studies is a small rise in resting heart rate. Because of this, doctors and patients should pay attention to monitoring while on tirzepatide. Good monitoring helps catch possible problems early and keeps treatment safe.
This section explains what kinds of monitoring are recommended, why they are important, and what signs to look out for during treatment.
Regular Heart Rate Checks
One of the most important steps is checking heart rate on a regular basis. Studies have shown that tirzepatide may raise resting heart rate by about 2 to 5 beats per minute for many patients. For most people, this increase is small and does not cause symptoms. However, in patients with heart disease or those prone to arrhythmias, even small changes may matter.
- At the clinic: Heart rate should be measured at each office visit, especially in the first 3 to 6 months after starting the medication.
- At home: Patients can also check their pulse daily or weekly. This can be done by counting beats at the wrist or neck, or by using home devices like blood pressure monitors, smartwatches, or fitness trackers.
- What to report: A consistent resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute, or a sudden jump of more than 15 to 20 beats per minute, should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Tirzepatide has been shown to lower blood pressure in many people, which is usually a benefit. Still, blood pressure should be tracked closely. This is especially true for people who are already on blood pressure medications.
- At the clinic: Blood pressure should be checked at every visit.
- At home: Home monitoring with a validated device is recommended at least several times a week.
- Why it matters: Some patients may need changes to their other medications if blood pressure drops too low. Others may notice a balance between a lower blood pressure and a slightly faster heart rate.
Electrocardiograms (ECG) in Certain Patients
For most patients, routine ECGs are not required. However, for those who already have heart rhythm problems, structural heart disease, or a history of fainting or palpitations, an ECG may be useful.
- When to order: Baseline ECG before starting tirzepatide in higher-risk patients.
- During treatment: Repeat ECGs if the patient develops palpitations, dizziness, or irregular pulse readings at home.
- Goal: Rule out significant arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.
Blood Tests and Metabolic Monitoring
Although not directly linked to heart rate, blood tests are important in overall safety monitoring.
- Glucose and HbA1c: These show how well diabetes is controlled.
- Cholesterol and triglycerides: Weight loss from tirzepatide often improves lipid levels, but checking them helps track progress.
- Kidney function: Needed because sudden weight loss, dehydration, or changes in blood pressure can affect the kidneys.
These tests do not measure heart rate directly but provide a wider picture of cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Symptoms to Watch For
Patients should be educated on what signs and symptoms may indicate a problem. This includes:
- Palpitations: Feeling the heart racing, pounding, or skipping beats.
- Dizziness or fainting: Could signal abnormal rhythm or low blood pressure.
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort: Should always be evaluated urgently.
- Swelling of legs or ankles: May indicate heart strain.
If these symptoms occur, patients should contact their doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
Individualized Risk Assessment
Not every patient will need the same level of monitoring. Doctors usually decide how closely to watch based on each person’s risks:
- Low-risk patients: Younger, healthy individuals without heart disease may only need routine office checks.
- Moderate-risk patients: People with high blood pressure, obesity, or controlled heart disease may need both office and home monitoring.
- High-risk patients: Those with a history of heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure may need ECGs, closer follow-up visits, and possible referral to a cardiologist.
This personalized approach avoids unnecessary testing in low-risk patients but gives extra protection to those who need it.
Role of Lifestyle in Monitoring
Lifestyle choices can also affect how tirzepatide interacts with the heart. Patients should be encouraged to:
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can raise heart rate and lower blood pressure too much.
- Avoid excess caffeine: High caffeine intake may exaggerate palpitations.
- Exercise wisely: Regular exercise is good for the heart, but patients should pace themselves and avoid sudden overexertion if they feel unwell.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Balanced nutrition supports heart and metabolic health.
By combining lifestyle care with medical monitoring, patients can reduce risks and improve outcomes.
Tirzepatide has shown major benefits in diabetes and weight management. However, it may affect the heart rate, which makes careful monitoring important. A mix of clinic visits, home checks, and awareness of warning symptoms provides a safe balance. When patients and doctors work together on monitoring, tirzepatide treatment can be both effective and safe for long-term health.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide is a new medicine that works in a special way by targeting two hormones, GIP and GLP-1, to improve blood sugar and support weight loss. Because it acts differently than older medicines, researchers are very interested in how it affects the heart and blood vessels. The main questions have focused on whether it raises heart rate, how it changes blood pressure, and what that means for people who already have heart problems.
From the research so far, one clear pattern has appeared: tirzepatide often causes a small rise in resting heart rate. This rise is not usually very large, often in the range of 2 to 4 beats per minute on average, but it has been seen consistently across several clinical trials. Some patients may notice their heart beating a little faster, while others may not feel any change. Doctors think this effect may be related to the way incretin hormones act on the nervous system, increasing activity in the part of the body that controls “fight or flight” responses. At the same time, it is important to note that a faster heart rate does not always mean something harmful is happening.
When we look at blood pressure, tirzepatide shows an opposite effect. In most studies, people taking tirzepatide had lower blood pressure, both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Reductions of 3 to 6 mmHg have been seen, which is meaningful because even small drops in blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack over time. This lowering of blood pressure is likely connected to weight loss, better insulin sensitivity, and direct effects on blood vessels. In this way, tirzepatide appears to give both a challenge and a benefit: heart rate goes up, but blood pressure goes down.
For people who already have heart disease, doctors must balance these changes carefully. A faster heart rate can sometimes be stressful for the heart, especially in those with rhythm problems or advanced disease. However, the improvements in weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure can ease strain on the cardiovascular system. In trials so far, tirzepatide has not shown an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, compared to other medicines. Large, long-term outcome trials are still underway to give more definite answers. These studies will help doctors know whether the long-term benefits of tirzepatide outweigh any possible risks linked to heart rate changes.
It is also important to compare tirzepatide to other GLP-1 based drugs, because they too can raise heart rate slightly. Medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide show similar effects, so this seems to be a feature of this class of medicines rather than something unique to tirzepatide. What sets tirzepatide apart is the dual action of GIP and GLP-1, which may enhance weight loss and blood sugar control while still sharing some of the same heart-related side effects.
Looking to the future, the key question is whether the benefits of weight reduction, lower blood pressure, and improved metabolism will outweigh the possible downside of a modestly faster pulse. Research in other areas has shown that sustained high heart rate over many years may increase risk for heart disease. But the rise seen with tirzepatide is small, and at the same time, it reduces other strong risk factors. Because of this balance, many experts think tirzepatide will likely have a positive overall effect on heart health, though proof must come from the long-term outcome studies now in progress.
For patients taking tirzepatide, the safest approach is ongoing monitoring. Doctors often check blood pressure, resting heart rate, and sometimes an electrocardiogram (ECG) if symptoms like palpitations occur. Patients should report if they feel their heart racing, skipping beats, or if they have chest pain or shortness of breath. These side effects are uncommon but should be taken seriously. In most people, tirzepatide is well tolerated, and the cardiovascular benefits from weight loss and glucose control are very encouraging.
In summary, tirzepatide has a mixed but mostly positive profile for cardiovascular health. It can slightly raise resting heart rate, but it also lowers blood pressure, improves blood sugar, and leads to meaningful weight loss. So far, no evidence suggests a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes, and larger studies are ongoing to confirm long-term safety. For now, tirzepatide looks like a promising option that could help many patients, provided it is used with careful monitoring and in partnership with healthcare professionals. The overall picture shows hope that this medicine will not only manage diabetes and obesity but also support better cardiovascular outcomes in the years to come.
Research Citations
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Questions and Answers: Tirzepatide Heart Rate
Yes, clinical studies have shown that tirzepatide can cause a modest increase in resting heart rate, typically around 2–5 beats per minute.
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its action as a GLP-1 receptor agonist component, which can activate the autonomic nervous system and slightly increase sympathetic activity.
In trials, patients on tirzepatide experienced a greater average increase in resting heart rate than those on placebo or insulin, but the difference was generally small (a few beats per minute).
For most patients, the small heart rate increase is not clinically concerning. However, those with existing cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, or poorly controlled hypertension should be monitored more closely.
Yes, higher doses of tirzepatide (10 mg and 15 mg) are associated with slightly greater increases in resting heart rate compared to lower doses.
Despite modest heart rate increases, tirzepatide has shown beneficial effects on weight, blood pressure, and glycemic control, all of which support cardiovascular health. Large outcome trials are ongoing to confirm long-term effects.
Some patients report palpitations, but this is relatively uncommon. Most do not notice significant symptoms from the heart rate increase.
Its effect is similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide or liraglutide, which also produce modest increases in resting heart rate.
Yes, it is good practice to monitor heart rate and blood pressure periodically, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or arrhythmias.
Evidence suggests the increase may persist during ongoing treatment but usually does not progress beyond the initial rise observed in the first weeks to months.