Effects of Tirzepatide on Heart Health in Overweight Individuals

The Effects of Tirzepatide on Coronary Plaque Lipid Content and Myocardial Microvascular Function in Overweight and Obese People With Coronary Disease - The IDEAL-COR Study

Phase 4 Interventional Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen · NCT06606821

This study tests if tirzepatide can improve heart health and reduce plaque in the arteries of overweight people with stable coronary artery disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSteno Diabetes Center Copenhagen Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Copenhagen and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06606821 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the long-term effects of tirzepatide, a medication for weight management, on coronary plaque composition and microvascular function in overweight and obese individuals with stable coronary artery disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tirzepatide or a placebo for 52 weeks. The study employs advanced imaging techniques, including NIRS and IVUS, to assess changes in coronary plaque and vascular health. Additionally, a sub-study will explore metabolic and cardiovascular predictors of plaque burden in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher and stable angina due to coronary atheromatosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes, severe heart failure, or those undergoing planned cardiovascular interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of heart disease in overweight individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tirzepatide in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed written consent
* BMI equal to or above 27 kg/m2
* Age 18 years or older
* Referred to coronary angiogram (CAG) due to stable angina
* Coronary atheromatosis by angiography (obstructive or non-obstructive)
* LCBI4mm \>200 by NIRS in a vessel not subjected to coronary intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of diabetes or HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) at baseline
* Treatment with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA)
* History of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
* Planned CV intervention (including percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac surgery or transcatheter valve intervention) at time of randomisation
* History of heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV
* Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%
* eGFR \<30 ml/min/1.53 m2
* History of pancreatitis or plasma amylase \>2 times upper normal limit
* Impaired hepatic function at baseline (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \>3 times the upper limit of normal)
* Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Family or history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 or familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC)
* Hypersensitivity to the active substance (Tirzepatide) or to any of the excipients
* Left main stenosis (≥50% diameter or haemodynamically significant)
* Chronic total occlusion of any major coronary vessel
* Multi-vessel disease or complex anatomy potentially requiring coronary bypass surgery
* Coronary anatomy or pathology precluding the safe performance of intravascular imaging in all major coronary arteries not subjected to intervention

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseaseCoronary Microvascular DysfunctionOverweight or ObesityStable Angina PectorisChronic Coronary Artery DiseaseAtherosclerosis Cardiovascular DiseaseNIRSIVUS
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.