GLP-1 Drugs Causing Arrythmias

I’ve had PVC’s all my life 10-18% of the time. Non life threatening. Had CABG (quadruple) two years ago. One year ago had a Type 1 Aortic dissection repair. I had post op afib (temporary) for both surgeries. Resolved on its own quickly. All good. Recovery for both phenomenal.

Started Zepbound three weeks ago. Suddrnly developed persistent atrial fibrillation during week 3. Diltiazem added to my other heart meds. Helps but the afib resurfaces briefly throughout the day. I’m considered controlled based on max heart rate

When I think why and what changed, it is the Zepbound. I have other issues besides obesity where Zepbound will help. Not willing to stop just yet. I’ve heard that sudden onset of afib when starting Zepbound is a rare but a documented side effect. I have no other side effects. Also there is indication that the afib may be temporary. Anyone know or experience 1) if this is true, and 2) are there any studies on this?

@pbd67 I read that Zepbound reduces Afib about 33% to 47%. It’s is FDA approved for sleep apnea which sometimes is related to Afib . Cleveland clinic is doing a research study . You can also go to
Clinical trials.gov. .

@merrychristmas I am well aware of all the potential benefits for sleep apnea, afib, hypertension, etc (both on label and off label benefits) Forgive me but that’s not the point. The point is I developed afib 3 weeks after starting Zepbound, out of the blue. Bad enough I was in the ER for a day.

My interest is in reports of afib induced early into starting Zepbound. Granted, as I lose weight, the stress on my heart will be reduced and the afib disappear.

GLP1’s affect the autonomic responses to hunger and satiation, but autonomic responses for heart rate and rhythm are also affected by GLP1 receptors. Is there a possible temporary negative crossover effect? That’s my question.

@merrychristmas I am well aware of all the potential benefits for sleep apnea, afib, hypertension, etc (both on label and off label benefits) Forgive me but that’s not the point. The point is I developed afib 3 weeks after starting Zepbound, out of the blue. Bad enough I was in the ER for a day.

My interest is in reports of afib induced early into starting Zepbound. Granted, as I lose weight, the stress on my heart will be reduced and the afib disappear.

GLP1’s affect the autonomic responses to hunger and satiation, but autonomic responses for heart rate and rhythm are also affected by GLP1 receptors. Is there a possible temporary negative crossover effect? That’s my question.

@pbd67 I can't say definitively, but the Vagal response or tone is well established as a factor in some cases of AF. GERD and stomach distension are known triggers, as are electrolytic defects. So, it's entirely conceivable that the GLP-1 has acted as a trigger. Did it 'start' or bring on your AF? Almost certainly not; your AF was waiting for an excuse, and it came. Neither of us can prove it, but if you were to cease the GLP-1 and never had another round of AF, that might be a great clue. If you do that, and then try GLP-1 for a couple of doses, and you get the AF, that would be strong proof that it is a trigger...but your AF is still 'there'. This is my opinion...for what it's worth.

@gloaming thank you

@pbd67 I have other things going on and could have been more comprehensive. I sense that you are aware of the post hoc fallacy. I try to warn people to avoid jumping onto that bandwagon. It's tempting.....very tempting. But, it can lead to dead ends and disappointment. Not that is isn't worth a look, a serious and methodical ruling out, but keep workin' on the other stuff. 😀

@pbd67 I can't say definitively, but the Vagal response or tone is well established as a factor in some cases of AF. GERD and stomach distension are known triggers, as are electrolytic defects. So, it's entirely conceivable that the GLP-1 has acted as a trigger. Did it 'start' or bring on your AF? Almost certainly not; your AF was waiting for an excuse, and it came. Neither of us can prove it, but if you were to cease the GLP-1 and never had another round of AF, that might be a great clue. If you do that, and then try GLP-1 for a couple of doses, and you get the AF, that would be strong proof that it is a trigger...but your AF is still 'there'. This is my opinion...for what it's worth.

@gloaming
I did that exact trial myself. Had palpitations 1 day after dose of glp1 . Stopped for 2 weeks with no episodes so tried a dose of glp1 and next day again had palpitations. Stopped for a month and tried again with the same result of palpitations. My body experience only. This is what happened with me. I wasn’t aware it could happen at all but I did stop taking all together. After 6 months of not taking the medication my heart randomly has palpitations without any triggers that I’m aware of and I’m currently under the care of cardiology. Every body is different and extremely different results from Amy medication. This was just my experience