Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy

Review Articles

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, in individuals with obesity in clinical practice: Juyoung Shin, Raeun Kim, Hun-Sung Kim; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(2):49-53. Published online April 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e7

Abstract PDF: Obesity is a disease requiring treatment. The prevalence of obesity is steadily increasing both in Korea and worldwide. Individuals with obesity are at elevated risks of diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and solid cancer; therefore, obesity is now considered to be a disease requiring treatment, rather than merely a cosmetic problem. Nutrition and exercise are the basic forms of obesity management, but it is not easy to lose weight through only one’s own willpower. Accordingly, policies for establishing a cultural environment that encourages desirable behaviors are proposed through multifaceted efforts involving the media and local organizations. However, the pharmacological and surgical treatments selected as medical interventions should be individualized based on an understanding of each individual’s cause of obesity and characteristics. It is important to understand how to enhance and maintain the effectiveness of treatment not only for the prescribing medical staff, but also for the individual with obesity who is being treated.

The effects and side effects of liraglutide as a treatment for obesity: Jeonghoon Ha, Jin Yu, Joonyub Lee, Hun-Sung Kim; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2022;4(4):142-148. Published online October 20, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2022.4.e18

Abstract PDF: The incidence of obesity is increasing throughout the world, including Korea. Liraglutide, the main purpose of which is glucose control, has recently gained significant attention due to its additional effect on weight loss. Liraglutide injections have been widely used as an important treatment for obese patients in Korea. In addition to weight loss, liraglutide has various other effects, such as prevention of cardiovascular disease. Despite its excellent effect on weight loss, notable side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, have also been associated with liraglutide. Despite these side effects, liraglutide has not been discontinued due to its beneficial effects on weight loss. Nonetheless, there are reports wherein patients did not experience weight loss upon taking the drug. As such, there is a possibility of liraglutide misuse and abuse. Therefore, physicians need to have a broad understanding of liraglutide and understand the advantages and disadvantages of liraglutide prescription.

Paradigm Shift for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Cardiologist's Perspective: Doo Soo Jeon; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2020;2(1):11-17. Published online January 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2020.2.e4

Abstract PDF: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disorder and is associated with an increased risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Control of major risk factors of T2DM can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients. Glycemic control has long been the gold standard for treatment of T2DM. However, strict blood glucose control strategies have repeatedly failed in the prevention of cardiovascular events in key clinical trials. The 2019 American and European practice guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with T2DM have recommended the use of novel hypoglycemic agents, such as sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor antagonist, which have shown significant reductions in the risk of MACE in spite of their modest glycemic control capacity. A paradigm shift from the glucosecentered approach in treating diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease is imperative. Based on positive outcomes from previous evidence, the reduction of the risk of MACE should be a primary objective for treatment.

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