The New England Journal of Medicine Podcast: Obesity and Heart Failure

Cardiologists now recognize that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may be caused by obesity. This episode of “Intention to Treat” examines new evidence that treating obesity can prevent HFpEF.

“Intention to Treat” is a biweekly podcast offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complicated, perplexing, and fascinating issues facing medicine today.

The STEP-HFpEF trial, a global 52-week study, found overweight or obese heart failure patients who took a weekly injection of semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy, saw an improvement in their symptoms — shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and inability to exercise.

The NEJM talked to Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod, a cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and the study’s lead investigator, and Nancy Collins, a patient who was enrolled in the study.  

Listen to the full podcast by The New England Journal of Medicine: Obesity and Heart Failure - IIT Episode 16

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