Wegovy (Semaglutide) Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Q: Who qualifies for Wegovy’s (semaglutide) heart indication?

Adults with obesity or overweight plus established cardiovascular disease (such as prior heart attack, stroke, or PAD) are eligible for this new FDA-approved use. This means that your insurance may pay for Wegovy (semaglutide) if you have these two co-existing conditions.

Q: Is Wegovy (semaglutide) safe for long-term use?

Studies up to 4 years show sustained benefits with a consistent safety profile. However, it carries warnings for thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and anesthesia risks, so medical supervision is essential.

Q: Thyroid Cancer Warning

Wegovy carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. It should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

Q: Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Disease

Cases of acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease (such as gallstones or cholecystitis) have been reported with GLP-1 medications. Patients should seek care if they develop severe abdominal pain.

Joshua Silva, MD
Sep 26
3 min read

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is FDA-approved not only for weight management but also to reduce major cardiovascular events—such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—in adults with obesity/overweight and established cardiovascular disease. This new approval means that Wegovy can help protect both your weight and your heart health. See our semaglutide pricing for details on treatment options available at Potere Health MD.

Wegovy cardiovascular risk reduction — Potere Health MD, St. George & Cedar City, Utah

Does Wegovy (semaglutide) reduce heart attack risk?

Yes. In the SELECT trial, Wegovy lowered the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, CV death) by about 20% in adults with obesity/overweight and established heart disease.

Who qualifies for Wegovy’s (semalgutide) heart indication?

Adults with obesity or overweight plus established cardiovascular disease (such as prior heart attack, stroke, or PAD) are eligible for this new FDA-approved use. This means that your insurance may pay for for Wegovy (semaglutide) if you have these two co-existing conditions.

At Potere Health MD, we provide physician-supervised semaglutide therapy for patients in St. George, Cedar City, and across Utah.

Can I take Wegovy (semaglutide) if I don’t have heart disease?

Yes, you may still take Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight management if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, the new FDA approval for reducing heart risks only applies to people who already have cardiovascular disease. Ongoing studies will show whether Wegovy (semaglutide) prevents heart attacks or strokes in patients without existing heart disease.

How does Wegovy (semaglutide) protect heart health?

Wegovy (semaglutide) helps reduce cardiovascular risk by producing meaningful weight loss and improving cardiometabolic risk factors—like blood sugar and blood pressure—and by lowering markers of systemic inflammation (e.g., hs-CRP). These changes reduce overall cardiovascular strain and are consistent with the FDA-approved indication to lower major heart events in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

Is Wegovy (semaglutide) safe for long-term use?

Studies up to 4 years show sustained benefits with a consistent safety profile. However, it carries warnings for thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and anesthesia risks, so medical supervision is essential.

Thyroid Cancer Warning

Wegovy carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. It should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Disease

Cases of acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease (such as gallstones or cholecystitis) have been reported with GLP-1 medications. Patients should seek care if they develop severe abdominal pain.

Surgery and Anesthesia Risks

Because GLP-1s slow stomach emptying, the FDA label and professional societies warn about aspiration risk during general anesthesia or deep sedation. Most patients can continue therapy before surgery, but high-risk patients may need special instructions.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Live in Utah and ready to explore Wegovy for weight and heart health? Book your free consultation at Potere Health MD — in St. George, Cedar City, or from home via telehealth.

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About the Author

Dr. Joshua Silva, MD, is a licensed physician and Medical Director of Potere Health MD. He completed residency training in Occupational and Environmental Medicine from the University of Utah and now specializes in evidence-based weight management, including GLP-1/GIP therapies (semaglutide, tirzepatide). Dr. Silva provides in-person and virtual care for patients throughout Utah.