Tirzepatide and the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine (top studies of the week, 13 September 2026): Tirzepatide and atrial fibrillation meta‑analysis, diabetes drug focus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tirzepatide is a dual agonist for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, with proven efficacy in weight loss and improvement in cardiovascular outcomes. However, the effects of tirzepatide on the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with overweight or obesity remain unclear. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing tirzepatide versus placebo for individuals with overweight or obesity. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) were pooled using a Bayesian binomial-normal hierarchical model, appropriate for rare-event outcomes. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 10 randomized controlled trials, including 6515 individuals, of whom 4491 (68.9%) were randomized to tirzepatide. The pooled OR was 2.20 (95% CrI, 0.81-6.75) for atrial fibrillation, 2.16 (95% CrI, 0.90-5.87) for atrial arrhythmia, and 1.84 (95% CrI, 1.04-3.90) for any arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS: Tirzepatide was not associated with atrial fibrillation or atrial arrhythmia. Although higher odds of overall arrhythmias were observed, event rates were low and the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.