What is it about?
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing it. Recently, a type of medication called SGLT2 inhibitors has been found to not only help manage diabetes but also prevent cardiovascular risks. SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking a protein that reabsorbs glucose in the kidneys, allowing excess glucose to be excreted in urine, which helps lower blood glucose levels. New research has shown that SGLT2 inhibitors also have a positive impact on the heart by improving its metabolism and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications. These medications have been found to reduce the thickness of the heart muscle and improve its ability to contract and relax, which can help prevent heart failure. SGLT2 inhibitors have also been shown to change the way the heart uses energy, increasing the use of fats as a fuel source instead of glucose. This can have a positive impact on overall heart health and may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the amount of sodium and water in the body, which can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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Why is it important?
The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes has gained significant attention in recent years. These drugs not only lower blood glucose levels but also offer cardiovascular benefits by reducing the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors' cardiovascular protective effects are not fully understood. This article aims to provide an in-depth review of recent studies on the influence of SGLT2 inhibitors in remodeling, substrate, and ion metabolism of the myocardium to prevent cardiovascular risks. The article discusses the unique features of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as their impact on myocardial energetics and their ability to modulate myocardial substrate utilization, and explores how these features contribute to their cardiovascular protective effects. The article also covers recent advancements in this field, including studies on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and in patients with chronic kidney disease.
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This page is a summary of: Influence of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Remodeling, Substrate and Ion Metabolism
of Myocardium to Prevent Cardiovascular Risks: Recent Work and
Advancement, Current Molecular Pharmacology, August 2023, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/1874467216666221017123333.
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