The latest statistics indicate heart failure is increasing across the United States, including cities like El Paso. In 2014, it struck more than six million American adults. Experts see the number continuing to rise over the next decade. This issue is costly for both those who have it and medical facilities. However, current research indicates that the obese and morbidly obese can lower their risk for heart failure by undergoing surgical weight loss surgery; commonly known as bariatric surgery.
Heart Failure and Weight Loss Research
Research indicates a close relationship between obesity and the development of heart failure. The presence of extra weight increases the risk of this condition emerging. However, a reduction of weight can result in a decreased risk. Studies, including one appearing in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2014, clearly indicate the impact of medical weight loss surgery on obese individuals.
The findings in this one study clearly show that bariatric surgery provides the following benefits:
1. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart failure
2. Improves overall cardiac function
What is also impressive about the results of this surgical weight loss study is that more patients remained risk-free of heart failure for a considerable time following the surgery (8 years). This reinforces the findings of an earlier Norwegian study.
A more recent study in 2017 further reinforces the relationship between bariatric surgery and decreased instances for heart failure. In a comparison with patients who underwent only a lifestyle change, researchers found medical weight loss surgery patients had a significantly lower incidence rate of heart failure.
Surgical Weight Loss
Obesity does not cause heart failure. However, as medical professionals in El Paso and American researchers know, it does increase the risk of occurrence. Surgical weight loss is one proven method of reducing the risk. Research clearly indicates it could potentially cut the risk in half.
