SGLT2 Inhibitors & Kidney Health After Heart Attack
New research confirms that SGLT2 inhibitors, like empagliflozin, are safe for heart attack patients, directly addressing prior concerns about their impact on kidney health. This pivotal study demonstrates SGLT2 inhibitors preserve kidney function and actively reduce heart failure complications following a cardiac event. Specifically, empagliflozin use showed stable kidney function over two years, a stark contrast to the decline seen with placebos.This groundbreaking growth means heart attack patients, even those with existing kidney disease, can perhaps benefit from these medications.News directory 3 is following the story as the largest trial to date may revolutionize treatment strategies. Discover what impact expanded use of SGLT2 inhibitors may have on patient outcomes.
SGLT2 Inhibitors Safe After Heart Attack, Study Shows
Updated June 13, 2025
A new study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of drugs used for diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, are safe for heart attack patients. Concerns had existed about potential harm to kidney function in these patients.
The research,a secondary analysis of the EMPACT-MI trial published in Nature Cardiovascular Research,found that empagliflozin,an SGLT2 inhibitor,did not harm kidney function in heart attack patients. In fact, patients taking empagliflozin experienced stable kidney function, while those on a placebo saw a decline over two years. The study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors provide kidney protection and are a safe treatment option.
Notably, the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors extended to heart attack patients with pre-existing kidney disease, reducing heart failure complications. This is significant as treatments effective for patients without kidney disease sometimes fail in those with kidney problems. The study highlights the effectiveness of empagliflozin across different patient profiles.
Many heart attack patients who could benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors are not receiving them due to concerns about kidney damage. This study, the largest trial to date of an SGLT2 inhibitor in heart attack patients, may change clinical practice by reassuring doctors about the drugS safety.
The trial involved 6,522 patients hospitalized after a heart attack, randomly assigned to receive either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a placebo, starting on average five days post-attack. The patients were monitored for about 18 months.
“SGLT2 inhibitors are underused in clinical practice. These data provide reassurance of the safety of using this class of drugs when indicated—even in patients after a recent heart attack and if the kidney function is impaired,” says lead investigator Dr. Bhatt.
The results showed that empagliflozin reduced total hospitalizations for heart failure by 33%. the difference in eGFR change, a measure of kidney function, indicated significant worsening of kidney function in the placebo group after two years, while the empagliflozin group remained stable.
The findings suggest clinicians should consider SGLT2 inhibitor treatment for patients who could benefit, even after a recent heart attack or with existing kidney disease, as the drugs do not appear to negatively impact kidney function.
What’s next
The researchers hope these findings will encourage wider adoption of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice for heart attack patients, leading to improved outcomes and reduced heart failure complications.