Weight-loss injection tirzepatide has been associated with cardioprotective effects, according to new findings. The research, published in The BMJ, set out to estimate the magnitude of reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events that would be observed in clinical practice from adding tirzepatide to standard of care treatment.
The study took place across two national US claims databases between May 2022 and May 2025. Researchers looked at 52,971 adults aged 40 or older with type 2 diabetes and existing heart and blood vessel disease. Some participants started taking tirzepatide (35,353 people), while others began sitagliptin (17,618 people).
The research suggests that, in people with type 2 diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease, being prescribed tirzepatide lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events compared with the comparison treatment. The lower rates of infection and infection-related death also suggest that tirzepatide may have wider health benefits, in addition to its effects on heart and blood vessel disease.
The study suggests tirzepatide may provide cardiovascular benefit in clinical practice, and the findings could help doctors and patients make more informed treatment decisions.