SGLT2 Inhibitors in Aging-Related Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Potential Mechanisms

Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2023 Nov;23(6):641-662. doi: 10.1007/s40256-023-00602-8. Epub 2023 Aug 24.

Abstract

Population aging combined with higher susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases in older adults is increasing the incidence of conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, arrhythmia, and hypertension. sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were originally developed as a novel oral drug for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unexpectedly, recent studies have shown that, beyond their effect on hyperglycemia, SGLT2i also have a variety of beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. Experimental models of cardiovascular disease have shown that SGLT2i ameliorate the process of aging-related cardiovascular disease by inhibiting inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and reversing endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the role of SGLT2i in aging-related cardiovascular disease and propose the use of SGLT2i to prevent and treat these conditions in older adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Cardiovascular System*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors