Heart rate increase on GLP-1 — November 2025

Clinical perspective, offered as context rather than as advice.

Cardiac biomarkers and cardiovascular risk: my cardiologist ordered advanced cardiac labs given my family history. Results were encouraging:

• NT-proBNP: 45 pg/mL (normal, cardiac function preserved)
• Lp(a): 35 nmol/L (genetic, unchanged — expected)
• ApoB: dropped from 145 to 85 mg/dL (excellent response)
• Coronary calcium score: 0 (unchanged from baseline — reassuring)

The ApoB reduction is particularly meaningful — it's considered the best single predictor of cardiovascular risk. GLP-1 therapy seems to improve this consistently.

sophie_paris said:

Cardiac biomarkers and cardiovascular risk: my cardiologist ordered advanced cardiac labs given my family history.

Second this. I had assumed I was the exception until I read this.

sophie_paris said:

Cardiac biomarkers and cardiovascular risk: my cardiologist ordered advanced cardiac labs given my family history.

Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk: a nuance that matters. Unlike most lipid markers, Lp(a) is 90%+ genetically determined and doesn't really change with weight loss or GLP-1 therapy.

My Lp(a) has remained at 76 nmol/L across all time points. If yours is elevated (>50 nmol/L), you need additional risk mitigation strategies regardless of your GLP-1 response. Don't assume your medication is covering all cardiovascular risk factors.

sophie_paris said:

Cardiac biomarkers and cardiovascular risk: my cardiologist ordered advanced cardiac labs given my family history.

Senior perspective on cardiovascular risk: I'm 70 years old and started this journey skeptically. My internist recommended it after years of failed interventions.

8 months later: down 38 lbs, more mobile, pain reduced, medications simplified. My quality of life has improved dramatically. I wish this existed 20 years ago.

To other older adults hesitating: the SELECT trial proved benefit in our age group. You deserve to feel good in your body regardless of age.

Following on from sophie_paris — and this may be the naive question:

Did your prescriber agree with that reading, and if not what was their objection?