Therapeutic Potential of Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Evidence

Abstract

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is still one of the leading causes of death globally, with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) being the most prevalent form of ASCVD. Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience an increased risk for ASCVD during the disease course, with CAD being the most common cause of death among affected individuals, resulting in shorter life expectancy and increased morbidity among survivors. Recently, 2 novel classes of anti-diabetic drugs, namely Sodium-Glucose co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have shown impressive cardio-renal benefits for patients with type 2 DM, while they might decrease cardio-renal risk even in the absence of baseline DM. However, there is no evidence to date regarding their safety and efficacy in the setting of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event, regardless of concomitant DM. This study aims to provide a detailed, updated presentation of currently available clinical evidence concerning the potential role of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in the setting of an ACS, and to highlight whether those drug classes could be utilized as adjuncts to standard-of-care treatment in this specific patient population, along with a presentation of the potential short- and long-term cardiovascular benefits.