Empagliflozin Reduced Mortality and Hospitalization for Heart Failure Across the Spectrum of Cardiovascular Risk in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial

Researchers reanalyzed a randomized trial, meaning people were assigned by chance to take empagliflozin or a look-alike placebo pill. The trial included 7,020 adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, meaning disease of the heart or blood vessels. After about three years, those taking empagliflozin were about one-third less likely to die or be hospitalized for heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump well. The benefits looked similar among people with different levels of cardiovascular risk.

What this means for you: This supports discussing empagliflozin with a doctor if you have type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. It does not show that the drug helps healthy people, people without diabetes, or people who should not take it, and it is not a reason to buy supplements.