In short
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating treatments for palpitations related to atrial fibrillation in patients with obesity. This trial is evaluating the medication Semaglutide to determine if it can help restore normal heart rhythm while addressing weight-related health issues. The study is being conducted in the Netherlands and involves weekly injections over a one-year period.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Semaglutide for Achieving Sinus Rhythm in Patients with Obesity and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
This clinical trial is examining whether Semaglutide can help people with obesity and atrial fibrillation return to a normal heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, which can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. When combined with obesity, these irregular heartbeats can lead to additional health complications.
Main inclusion criteria:
- You must be 18 years old or older
- You must have symptomatic, first-detected persistent atrial fibrillation that was noticed within the past 6 months
- You must have obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. If your BMI is between 27 and 30, you may still qualify if you have at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep problems, or heart disease
- You must be scheduled for an electrical cardioversion procedure, which is a treatment to help restore normal heart rhythm
- You must provide written informed consent to participate
Main exclusion criteria:
- Patients without obesity cannot participate
- Patients without atrial fibrillation cannot participate
- Patients who have not experienced symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation cannot participate
- Patients who belong to vulnerable populations requiring special protection or care cannot participate
Focus and goals:
The main goal of this study is to determine whether Semaglutide can help patients achieve and maintain a normal heart rhythm, known as sinus rhythm, after one year of treatment. Participants will receive either Semaglutide or a placebo injection once a week for 12 months. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor various health indicators including changes in palpitations and other atrial fibrillation symptoms, quality of life, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The study will also track the number of hospital visits and assess any changes in overall heart function.
Investigational drug:
The medication being tested is Semaglutide, which is administered as a weekly injection under the skin at a dose of 2.4 mg. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and insulin levels. This mechanism can aid in weight loss and may also improve heart function. The study aims to evaluate whether the weight management benefits of Semaglutide can also help restore and maintain normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing irregular heartbeats related to atrial fibrillation.
Summary
Currently, there is one ongoing clinical trial available for patients experiencing palpitations associated with atrial fibrillation and obesity. This trial is being conducted in the Netherlands and focuses on evaluating Semaglutide, a medication already known for its weight management properties. The study represents an innovative approach to treating atrial fibrillation by addressing one of its contributing factors—obesity. Patients interested in participating should meet specific criteria related to their heart rhythm disorder, body weight, and overall health status. The trial duration is one year, with regular monitoring to assess both heart rhythm improvements and changes in weight-related health indicators.
