Can Ozempic® Cause Heart Palpitations: Understanding the Science

Can Ozempic® Cause Heart Palpitations?

In the quest for effective weight management solutions, Ozempic® has emerged as a popular option prescribed to individuals with Type 2 diabetes and those struggling with obesity (1). Ozempic®, formulated with the active ingredient semaglutide, falls under the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists known to mimic the actions of hormones responsible for various actions, including appetite regulation and food intake.

Intended for use alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Ozempic® can be a highly effective tool for weight management in adults who:

• Are classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30), or

• Are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and are dealing with a significant weight-related condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

However, like all medications, Ozempic® has potential side effects, which are often gastrointestinal in nature and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset (1). Some users have also voiced concern over a potential link between Ozempic® and heart palpitations. Despite this, palpitations are not a listed side effect of Ozempic®, and currently, there is no evidence to support the notion that Ozempic® causes heart palpitations. This article will explore the connection between Ozempic® and why you may feel an abnormal heartbeat while on Ozempic®. 

Can Ozempic® Lead to Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are described as the feeling that your heart is racing or beating irregularly. Palpitations are most often caused by arrhythmias (when the electrical signals within the heart don’t work correctly) or anxiety. While palpitations aren’t explicitly listed as a side effect of Ozempic®, increases in heart rate are (2). In clinical trials, low doses of Ozempic® increased heart rate by 2-3 beats per minute on average. Compare that to the placebo-treated patients, who experienced an average decrease of 0.3 beats per minute.

While heart palpitations are not a known side effect of Ozempic®, the medication can result in an increased heart rate for some patients.