GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Fewer Surgical Heart Events

A large study presented at an anesthesiology meeting links perioperative GLP-1 receptor agonist use to lower cardiovascular complications after elective surgery.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Diabetes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain glass vial centered on a pale drape against a navy field, with a teal arc behind it. — A large study presented at an anesthesiology meeting in San Diego found that GLP-1 receptor agonist users had lower odds of major cardiovascular events after elective surgery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you feel more confident about surgery if you were taking a GLP-1 medication?

Researchers presented findings at ANESTHESIOLOGY, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, held October 16 to 20 in San Diego. Among more than 2.0 million adults undergoing elective surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonist users had lower odds of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Why it matters

Many patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes or weight management undergo surgery, and clinicians need evidence on how continuing these drugs affects perioperative risk. The findings suggest the medications may not raise surgical complications and could be associated with fewer cardiovascular events.

The study drew on EPIC COSMOS records of more than 2.0 million adults, with 145,610 GLP-1 RA users propensity-matched to nonusers at a 1:4 ratio. MACE odds were 0.89 times as high among users, but the analysis is observational and cannot establish that the drugs caused the difference.

The players

American Society of Anesthesiologists

The American Society of Anesthesiologists is a professional medical organization representing physicians who specialize in anesthesiology and perioperative care.

The details

Researchers analyzed adults undergoing elective surgeries lasting more than 60 minutes who were hospitalized at least 24 hours afterward. They compared postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events and infections between GLP-1 receptor agonist users and nonusers using propensity score matching.

October 16 to 20, 2026: ANESTHESIOLOGY annual meeting held in San Diego, where the study was presented.

Health Landscape

The study relies on EPIC COSMOS, a large electronic health records database, to assess real-world outcomes rather than relying only on controlled trials. Its findings add to a growing body of observational evidence on how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect patients beyond their approved indications.

Patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists who are scheduled for elective surgery may want to discuss perioperative medication plans with their care teams. The study suggests continued use was not linked to higher cardiovascular or infection rates, though clinicians will weigh individual risks.

The takeaway

Patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists should discuss surgical planning with their clinicians rather than stopping medication on their own. Observational findings like these help guide conversations but do not replace individualized medical advice.