SELECT: one result, a specific population
One number does not tell a clinical trial's whole story.
A 2023 trial for practicing a contextual reading.
One number does not tell a clinical trial's whole story.
What was observed
SELECT randomized 17,604 adults aged 45 or older with cardiovascular disease, BMI ≥27 kg/m² and no diabetes. The cardiovascular composite occurred in 6.5% with weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4 mg) and 8.0% with placebo; HR 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72–0.90), with mean follow-up of 39.8 months. It comprised cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke. Permanent discontinuations for adverse events were 16.6% versus 8.2%. Funding: Novo Nordisk.
How to read it
This result does not establish the same benefit for other products or every population. The headline must retain both the composite outcome and the trial's context.
Professional context / Contexto profesional
The difference between the rounded proportions is 1.5 percentage points (8.0 − 6.5). This is our own descriptive calculation; it is not a 20-point absolute reduction and does not turn the HR into an individual's risk.
Evidence / Evidencia
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. No formal certainty rating has been assigned to this summary.
Limitations / Limitaciones
A brief analysis of a trial published in 2023, not a comprehensive semaglutide update or a prescribing guide.