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Research shows the diabetes drug semaglutide can modestly lower blood pressure, which may help some people control high blood pressure. However, its effects may not be enough on their own for those with more severe hypertension.
Semaglutide is a relatively new medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes. However, emerging research suggests it may also help lower blood pressure in some individuals.
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence on semaglutide’s effects on blood pressure and what it could mean for people with hypertension.
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Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. Semaglutide was first approved by the FDA in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes.
Since then, studies have shown semaglutide also aids weight loss and lowers cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. Now, new findings indicate it may also reduce blood pressure. But how strong is the evidence? And could semaglutide become a treatment option for hypertension?
Learn more about how semaglutide works and request a consultation to see if it could benefit your diabetes or weight loss plan
Early research suggests semaglutide may lower blood pressure through multiple mechanisms.
In a 2023 meta-analysis of 29 studies with over 26,000 participants, semaglutide reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 2.3 mmHg on average compared to placebo. It also lowered diastolic pressure (bottom number) by an average of 0.09 mmHg.
These results were consistent in both people with and without diabetes. The analysis concluded that subcutaneous semaglutide or oral preparations is beneficial for reducing SBP.
Another 2023 review looked at data from 6 randomized controlled trials of semaglutide. It found systolic blood pressure reductions ranging from 4.83 mmHg to 5.65 mmHg with semaglutide treatment.
While these effects may seem modest, lowering systolic blood pressure by just 5 mmHg can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and death. So semaglutide impact could be significant for some.
Researchers think semaglutide may lower blood pressure through several mechanisms:
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide suppresses appetite and promotes weight loss. Losing excess body weight is associated with meaningful reductions in blood pressure. However, research indicates semaglutide lowers blood pressure independently of the effects of weight loss alone.
Semaglutide causes a mild increase in urine output, leading to reduced fluid retention and blood volume. This decreases the volume of blood the heart needs to pump, thereby lowering blood pressure.
By enhancing how the body responds to insulin, semaglutide helps attenuate insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. This promotes vasodilation (widening) of blood vessels and increases blood flow.
Studies show semaglutide therapy is associated with decreased arterial stiffness. More flexible blood vessel walls can expand more readily in response to blood flow, lowering peripheral resistance.
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, semaglutide may have direct effects on the endothelium (blood vessel lining) to induce vasorelaxation. It may also favorably alter hormones like endothelin-1 that regulate vascular tone.
Some research indicates GLP-1 receptor agonists can inhibit sympathetic drive and reduce activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. This helps relieve pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
By inhibiting inflammatory mediators, semaglutide may improve endothelial function and support healthy vasodilation. Chronic inflammation is linked to increased blood pressure.
Discover the ways semaglutide may reduce blood pressure and contact us to find out if it's right for you
Semaglutide can lower blood pressure, but the degree of reduction varies between individuals. Several key attributes and conditions impact how much someone's blood pressure is lowered with semaglutide treatment. These factors include:
| Factor | Effect on Blood Pressure Reduction |
| Baseline Blood Pressure Levels | Patients starting with higher baseline systolic blood pressure see greater reductions compared to those with mildly elevated pressures. Those with hypertension or prehypertension often experience larger decreases. |
| Presence of Type 2 Diabetes | Semaglutide leads to greater blood pressure lowering in patients with diabetes compared to non-diabetics, likely due to improved glycemic control. |
| Weight Status | Overweight/obese individuals tend to experience greater reductions as semaglutide often leads to weight loss. |
| Duration of Treatment | The blood pressure lowering effects persist and are observed throughout continued semaglutide treatment over months/years. |
| Formulation | Both injectable and oral semaglutide similarly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
Semaglutide is generally safe and well-tolerated when used carefully under medical supervision. However, some people may experience temporary side effects like:
Rarely, semaglutide can cause or aggravate diabetic retinopathy complications in the eyes. So ophthalmological monitoring is recommended while using semaglutide.
Semaglutide may offer the most blood pressure-lowering benefits for individuals with:
However, semaglutide has only been directly studied for blood pressure reduction in clinical trials for up to 1 year. Longer-term safety and efficacy remain to be determined.
See if you fit the profile of someone likely to get blood pressure benefits from semaglutide by contacting us for a consultation
Semaglutide lowers blood pressure to a moderate degree compared to traditional blood pressure medications.
For example, classes like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers typically reduce systolic blood pressure by 5–15 mmHg on average, while semaglutide lowers it by around 2–11 mmHg.
While helpful for some, semaglutide may not lower blood pressure enough on its own for people with more severe hypertension. However, it could allow lower doses of additional blood pressure medications.
Compared to other diabetes drugs used for blood pressure like SGLT2 inhibitors, semaglutide performs similarly, lowering systolic blood pressure by roughly 3–6 mmHg.
More research is still needed to directly compare semaglutide to specific hypertension medications. But current evidence suggests its effects are modest yet meaningful for many individuals.
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes and want to explore innovative treatment options, contact Dr. V Medical Aesthetics today. Our experienced medical staff can help determine if semaglutide could be a good addition for your hypertension or diabetes management plan.
We offer cutting-edge non-surgical aesthetic treatments to help you look and feel your best. And our integrative wellness programs take a holistic approach to health, addressing medical conditions through customized plans combining traditional and natural therapies.
Don’t struggle with uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes alone. Call Dr. V Medical Aesthetics now to schedule a consultation.
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