Source: Fox News
Summary
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that the diabetes drug dapagliflozin may help lower the risk of heart failure in certain patients with rare genetic variants linked to cardiomyopathy. Researchers analyzed data from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial, which included over 12,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. The study found that dapagliflozin lowered hospitalization for heart failure more in individuals with the genetic variants than in those without. However, experts note that the results require further confirmation due to the narrow sample size of carriers.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
This study is another example of how genetic information can help identify high-risk patients and inform preventive care. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, has already been shown to reduce heart failure hospitalization across a broad range of patients. Now, this study suggests that genetic screening could help identify a subgroup of people who derive especially large benefit from early treatment. As with any medical decision, the choice to medicate should be discussed with a clinician, especially for those with a personal or family history of cardiovascular events.
This is not the first time that a diabetes drug has been found to have benefits beyond its original purpose.
Genetic testing for cardiomyopathy is already used for diagnosis, family screening, and risk stratification.
Preventive cardiology could identify high-risk patients earlier, before they develop symptoms.
The decision to medicate should always be discussed with a clinician.
The study’s findings add to the growing body of evidence on the importance of genetic information in informing preventive care.
Author: Evan Null
