 High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease
What are they?
Excess body weight keeps the heart from working properly. The result can be high blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause strokes and heart and kidney damage. Evidence shows that the age-related lifetime risk of hypertension in men and women ages 45 to 54 will double as their average BMI increases from 25 to 35.7 While hypertension may occur regardless of someone’s age, gender, or body mass, it tends to be more severe in the obese.
How are they affected by bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery reduces excess body weight over time, which takes away some of the strain on the heart. Changes in diet and exercise after surgery can lead to significant improvement of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels and increased HDL levels. Even a weight loss of 10 percent can lower blood pressure significantly.3
What success have patients found through bariatric surgery?
A recent meta-analysis showed hypertension was resolved or improved in 78.5 percent of patients.3 A study of 500 patients showed 92 percent resolution of hypertension.8
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References
3 Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA 2004;292(14):1724-37.
8 Wittgrove AC, Clark GW. Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Roux-En-Y 500 Patients: Technique and Results, with 3-60 Month Follow-up. Obes Surg 2000 Jun;10(3):233-39. |
