Bariatric Surgeries Reduce CV Events Such as Heart Attacks

Bariatric surgeries such as Lap-Band procedures have been found to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events by as much as 30%, according to a recent Medscape report. These procedures also decreased the chance of dying from cardiovascular causes by 50%.

This study, known as the Swedish Obese Subjects study, was performed in Gothenburg, Sweden. It followed over 2000 bariatric surgical patients for 15 years following their procedures. It also followed over 2000 non-surgical control patients. These patients had specific BMI and age requirements. A number of conclusions were reached, though study administrators speculated that some results would take up to ten years to understand fully.

Lap Band and Other Bariatric Surgeries Prevent Cardiovascular Deaths

One of the study authors believes that patients should be approved for bariatric surgery if they are obese and have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Severe hypertension
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis

In addition to treating their obesity, Dr. Edward Livingstone believes that the surgeries can improve these varying conditions, and prevent death.

The study states that, “Bariatric surgery prevents cardiovascular events.” In their report they state that these results, “along with our previously reported associations between bariatric surgery and favorable outcomes — regarding long-term changes of body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, diabetes, cancer, and mortality — demonstrate that there are many benefits to bariatric surgery, some of which are independent of the degree of the surgically induced weight loss.”

As with many studies, additional research and evaluation of the data is necessary to understand some of the other potential insights this study can bring. This focus is particularly necessary for subgroups of the study participants. It will bring additional information and answer questions for those considering bariatric procedures such as Lap-Band or gastric bypass.

(Editor’s Note: As this article is a Medscape journal article, it may not be accessible through the above link without a Medscape account.)