Bariatric Surgery and Long-term Cardiovascular Events

Abstract

Most epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.^1,2 Weight loss improves diabetes and other intermediate risk factors for cardiovascular disease,^3-6 suggesting that weight loss could also reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, weight loss has been paradoxically associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in most epidemiological studies,^7-9 even in participants who were overweight or obese at baseline.¹⁰ Some observational studies suggest that self-reported intentional weight loss is associated with a decreased incidence of cardiovascular events.¹¹ Other studies suggest the opposite.^12,13 Results of these studies might be confounded by inclusion of participants with unintentional weight loss.^11-13