A Nature Communications study shows glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) activates ATP‑sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in coronary pericytes, producing vasodilatory and protective effects on myocardial microcirculation. The authors propose this pericyte‑centric mechanism contributes to the cardioprotective benefits observed with GLP‑1 receptor agonists. The finding links incretin biology to microvascular physiology and could inform cardiac safety and benefit assessments of GLP‑1 drugs used in diabetes and obesity. Clinical implications include potential biomarker development and targeted drug discovery to harness KATP‑mediated effects.