Bariatric Surgery Improves Heart Shape, Function

The heart returns to its original shape and function within 1 year of bariatric surgery-associated weight loss, according to a recent study.

The findings of this study were presented at the 2017 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.
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In their study, the researchers analyzed data from 51 individuals with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2015 (mean age 61 years). The researchers collected data on the patients’ body mass index, co-morbidities, and preoperative and postoperative echocardiography readings.

One year after bariatric surgery, the researchers found significant improvements in the patients’ heart health, with almost half of patients’ hearts returning to their natural shape and geometry. 

Additionally, the size of the ventricles showed significant improvements post-surgery, with patients experiencing an average 15.7% decrease in ventricle size.

The researchers intend to conduct additional studies to determine whether the duration of obesity influences the ability of the heart to return to its natural geometry.

“We don’t know if being obese for 20 years and having changes in your heart geometry is different from being obese for 10 years,” the authors concluded. “The question is: will the heart always come back to normal? It could be if you wait too long, the changes in your heart are irreversible.”

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Weight loss after bariatric surgery can improve heart health [press release]. San Diego, CA: American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2017; October 24, 2017. https://www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/rosenthalr.