Effects of Glucagon Like Peptide-1 on Haemodynamic Parameters

Effects of Liraglutide on Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients With Heart Failure

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that regulates plasma glucose, and GLP-1 analogues were recently introduced for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. The investigators planned to evaluate the effects of liraglutide on haemodynamic parameters in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality world wide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that regulates plasma glucose, and has direct effects on the cardiovascular system. In our previous study, the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide could improve left ventricular function in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, the effects of GLP-1 on HF patients remain unclear. Pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) technology is a combination of transpulmonary thermodilution and pulse contour analysis, which measures hemodynamic variables (left ventricular ejection fraction, volumes, and mass) in a fast and feasible way. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of liraglutide on hemodynamic variables in HF patients using the PiCCO system.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with HF were eligible for the study. Diagnosis of HF was based on an impaired ejection fraction (<50%).

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients were also excluded for the following reasons: unconscious at presentation; valvular heart disease, cardiogenic shock, hypoglycaemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis; or renal insufficiency.