Cardiologists Imperative to Initiate GLP-1 RA for Cardio-renal-metabolic Protection
CME Unit: 1 point | 
1 hour | 
08 May 2027
Overview
About
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide, have expanded in role within the management of cardiometabolic disease. Initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, these agents now demonstrate broad therapeutic effects across cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic systems. Their growing clinical relevance reflects a shift toward integrated management of complex chronic conditions.
The global epidemic of obesity and its downstream consequences provide important context. Excess adiposity contributes to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and vascular dysfunction, ultimately driving a high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in individuals with obesity, underscoring the need for effective, scalable interventions that address both metabolic and vascular risk.
Semaglutide is increasingly recognized as a cardiorenal protective therapy. Evidence from major randomized trials demonstrates consistent reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure outcomes, renal disease progression, and inflammatory markers. Notably, these benefits are not solely explained by weight loss or glycemic control, suggesting pleiotropic mechanisms that support its role in comprehensive cardiometabolic management.
Emerging data extend these benefits across diverse populations, including individuals without diabetes, those with obesity-related heart failure, and patients with cardiovascular disease. Large-scale trials and real-world studies demonstrate early and sustained clinical benefits, reinforcing the paradigm shift toward using GLP-1 receptor agonists as foundational therapies in high-risk populations.
This lecture will provide an overview of the evolving evidence on GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, and will help clinicians understand their role in cardiometabolic disease while supporting the integration of these therapies into evidence-based clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiologic link between obesity, inflammation, and cardiometabolic disease.
- Describe the mechanisms and pleiotropic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide.
- Summarize key evidence from major trials (e.g., SELECT, FLOW, STEP-HFpEF) on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic outcomes .
- Identify appropriate patient populations for semaglutide, including those with and without diabetes.
- Integrate GLP-1 receptor agonists into clinical practice for comprehensive cardiometabolic risk reduction.
Topic covered
- Overview and evolution of GLP-1 receptor agonists
- GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity and cardiometabolic disease
- Cardiorenal protective effects and mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Key clinical trials and evidence
- Weight-independent benefits and use in non-diabetic populations
- Applications in HFpEF and peripheral arterial disease
- Clinical integration
Speaker:
Professor Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAHA, FCAHS, FCCS
Cardiac Surgeon • St Michael’s Hospital of Unity Health Toronto
Scientist • Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing
Knowledge Institute of Unity Health Toronto
Professor of Surgery and Pharmacology & Toxicology •
University of Toronto
Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery (Tier 1)
1 CME Point Available
- This module is accredited for 1 CME Point for medical practitioners enrolled in The Medical Council of Hong Kong’s Continuing Medical Education Programme for Practising Doctors who are not taking CME for Specialists.
- This journal is accredited for both Hong Kong Doctors Union (HKDU) members and non-members.
- This module is accredited for 1 CME point for fellows of The Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Hong Kong College of Physicians, the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians, and the Hong Kong College of Community Medicine.
- Please note that this module will not earn CME credit for fellows of colleges not listed here.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CME point.
This CME module is co-organized by the Hong Kong Doctors Union (HKDU)
