Clinical Questions in Cardiology: Using Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

Overview

Provider Statement

In support of improving patient care, Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower (Annenberg Center) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Support Statement

This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk.

Activity Description

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) class of medications has become an important option for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Cardiovascular outcome trials also show that selected GLP-1RAs exert beneficial cardiovascular benefits in patients with and without T2D. In this activity, case studies commonly encountered in cardiology practice are utilized to prompt reflection on opportunities for reducing cardiovascular risk. Drawing on seminal research and their own experience, cardiologist Jorge Plutzy, MD, and endocrinologist Helena Rodbard, MD, navigate through a series of ‘clinical questions’ to inform regarding the clinical pharmacology of the GLP-1RAs and their evidence-based role in cardiovascular risk reduction, particularly in patients with secondary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The faculty also provide recommendations to optimize the use of GLP-1RAs as a class, as well as individually, including strategies to mitigate gastrointestinal adverse events and address patient concerns. In closing, Dr. Plutzky underscores the essential role of cardiologists in diabetes care, advocating for a collaborative, interprofessional team approach to optimize the health of patients with chronic coronary disease.

Target Audience

The target audience includes cardiologists and cardiology advanced practice providers who treat patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and other clinicians with an interest in T2D.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

• Explain how the mechanisms of action of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) address key pathophysiologic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes
• Compare and contrast the agents within the GLP-1RA class
• Formulate strategies to ease patient safety concerns and improve tolerability to GLP-1 RAs
• Justify the use of GLP-1 RAs for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Apply current evidence-based recommendations from the ACC, ADA, and ADA/EASD to individualize GLP-1RA therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes

Faculty

Jorge Plutzky, MD
Director, Preventive Cardiology
Cardiovascular Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

Helena W. Rodbard, MD
Past President, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
Past President, American College of Endocrinology (ACE)
Founder and Medical Director, Endocrine and Metabolic Consultants
Rockville, Maryland

Reviewers

Chandler D. Schexnayder, PharmD (Medical Writer)
Eugene Cullen, MD (Peer Reviewer)

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower (Annenberg Center) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation

Physician Credit
The Annenberg Center designates this enduring material for a maximum 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Annenberg Center has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nurse Credit
The Annenberg Center designates this education for a maximum of 1.25 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) contact hours, including 1.0 pharmacology hour.

Provider is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #13664, for 1.25 contact hours. To receive credit for education contact hours outside of the state of California, please check with your state board of registered nursing for reciprocity.

How to Participate in This Activity and Obtain CME Credit

This activity is an online enduring material. Successful completion is achieved by reading and/or viewing the materials, reflecting on its implications in your practice, and completing the assessment component.

Disclosures

Faculty
Helena W. Rodbard, MD
Consultant: Pacira
Research Support: Eli Lilly, Inversago, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi
Speaker Bureau: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck

The following has no significant relationship to disclose:
Jorge Plutzky, MD

Additional content planners
The following have no significant relationship to disclose:
Chandler D. Schexnayder, PharmD (Medical Writer)
Eugene Cullen, MD (Peer Reviewer)

Unlabeled and Investigational Usage

The faculty for this activity has disclosed that there will be discussion about the use of products for non-FDA approved indications.

Copyright Statement

Annenberg Center respects your privacy. We don’t share information you give us, or have the need to share this information in the normal course of providing the services and information you may request. If there should be a need or request to share this information, we will do so only with your explicit permission. See Privacy Statement and other information at https://annenberg.net/pages/privacyPolicy.php

CME Questions?

For help or questions about this activity please contact Continuing Education:
ce@annenberg.net