Love Your Heart: 5 Ways Bariatric Surgery Boosts Cardiovascular Health

In the United States, obesity levels have risen significantly over the last several decades. According to National Institutes of Health, obesity rates have tripled in the last 60 years, with 40% of American adults classified as obese and 10% as severely obese.

Obesity is hard on your body and your overall health. Two of the most severe impacts are an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Additionally, excess weight can increase your chances of developing other health issues that contribute to heart disease risk.

Bariatric surgery can help you lose a significant amount of weight and also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic and severe health issues. Here, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon Michael Sutker, MD, shares five ways bariatric surgery can boost heart health. 

1. Significant weight loss

The good news is that losing just 5-10% of your body weight can help decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke. Research shows that with bariatric surgery, people can lose up to 70% of their excess weight. The greater the weight loss, the greater the health benefits.

2. Lowers your risk of high blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) can strain your heart and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Being overweight is a primary cause of high blood pressure because the excess weight makes your heart pump harder in an effort to get blood to all your extra bodily tissues. 

A recent study found that bariatric surgery was more effective than lifestyle interventions at helping people with obesity lower their blood pressure without medication.

3. Reduces joint pain 

Excess weight puts excess pressure on your joints, making it more difficult for people with obesity to exercise, which is vital to your cardiovascular and overall health. 

Reduced mobility and activity, coupled with excess weight, can greatly increase your risk of osteoarthritis, making it even more challenging to get around and exercise. Bariatric surgery helps reduce the load on your joints, making exercise less challenging. 

Keeping your body moving is a key way to support improved heart health and circulation. 

4. Helps reverse type 2 diabetes

Most people with type 2 diabetes eventually develop heart disease. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death for people with diabetes. Bariatric surgery can help reverse type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance and stabilizing blood sugar levels. 

5. Lowers cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is vital to many bodily functions, such as making healthy cells and producing vitamins. Too much cholesterol, however — specifically “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — can deposit itself in your arteries and cause cardiovascular disease. 

“Good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps carry the bad cholesterol out of the arteries. Obesity is associated with higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels. Research shows that bariatric surgery can increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels, which translates to lower cardiovascular risk. 

Bariatric surgery in Dallas, Texas

Ready to learn more about how bariatric surgery can boost your cardiovascular health and improve your quality of life? Call Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.