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Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiac Function and Structure in Chinese Patients with Obesity
Qianyun Wang1, Wah Yang2,3,4, Yuan Chen2,3,4
1Department of Cardiology and The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Bariatric surgery significantly improved cardiac function and structure in Chinese patients with obesity. This weight loss intervention positively impacted cardiovascular health, showing favorable long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Surgery
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiac dysfunction and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective therapeutic option for obesity, with potential benefits for cardiac health.
- Limited research exists on BS effects in the Chinese population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on cardiac function and structure in Chinese individuals with obesity.
- To analyze short-term, midterm, and long-term cardiovascular effects following bariatric surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 143 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
- Patients categorized into three groups based on follow-up duration: within 12 months (T1), 12-24 months (T2), and over 24 months (T3).
- Echocardiographic parameters were used to evaluate cardiac function and structure before and after surgery.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) from 39.7 to 28.4 kg/m² (P < 0.001) and blood pressure post-surgery.
- Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) decreased significantly (43.7 to 37.8 g/m².7, P < 0.001).
- Changes in LVMI correlated with BMI changes (R² = 0.14, P < 0.001), with varying echocardiographic improvements across follow-up groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery is associated with improved left ventricular structure and function in Chinese obese patients.
- Bariatric surgery demonstrates potential favorable effects on cardiac function and structure in this population.
- Further research can explore long-term cardiovascular outcomes and mechanisms.
Abstract:
Obesity contributes to cardiac dysfunction and has an impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery (BS) is being considered a therapeutic option for patients with obesity and also can improve cardiac function. Very few studies considered the Chinese population. This study aimed to examine the effect of BS on cardiac function and structure in Chinese subjects with obesity. A single-center retrospective analysis of 143 patients with obesity was included. To observe and analyze the short-term, midterm, and long-term effects of BS on cardiovascular function and structure, the study population was divided into three groups according to the time of review. Fifty-two patients in group T1 (re-examination within 12 months); 53 patients in group T2 (re-examination within 12 to 24 months); and 38 patients in group T3 (re-examination over 24 months). The effects of BS on the cardiac function and structure were evaluated by analyzing the echocardiographic parameters. After BS, body mass index (BMI) decreased from 39.7 ± 8.0 to 28.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2 (P < 0.001). Blood pressure decreased significantly. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) decreased (43.7 ± 16.4 to 37.8 ± 13.4 g/m2.7, P < 0.001). The change in LVMI was correlated with the change in BMI (R2 = 0.14, P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses at different follow-ups, echocardiographic parameters showed varying degrees of change compared with the baseline. Significant weight loss by BS was associated with improved left ventricular structure and function in Chinese patients with obesity, suggesting potential favorable effects of BS on the cardiac function and structure.
