In a nutshell
This study investigated if bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery reduces the risk of hospitalization in patients with pre-existing hypertension.
They found that patients who underwent bariatric surgery had a reduced risk of short-term hospitalization for hypertensive disease.
Some background
Hypertension is a serious condition that requires constant monitoring and treatment. Obesity is proposed to be a risk factor for hypertension. As part of weight management strategies, patients may undergo bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery. Large weight reduction as a result of this procedure has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Some patients who undergo bariatric surgery may have pre-existing hypertension. It is not known if these patients have improved blood pressure control and thus less incidents of hospitalization for acute (short-term) care.
Methods & findings
This study investigated the frequency of hospitalization for hypertension in patients who underwent bariatric surgery.
This study included 980 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Their medical records were analyzed to identify the number of emergency department (ED) visits made relating to hypertension and hypertensive disease.
In the 12 months before bariatric surgery, 18.2% of patients visited the ED due to hypertension. In the first 12 months following bariatric surgery, there was a significant reduction in the number of ED visits (-42%). 13-24 months’ post-surgery, this reduction persisted at a lower level of 29%.
Women had a similar reduction both at 12 months and 24 months’ post-surgery. Men, however, only had a reduced risk of ED admission for hypertensive disease in the first 12 months following surgery.
The bottom line
They concluded that bariatric surgery caused a reduced risk of short-term hospitalization for hypertensive disease.
The fine print
This study was 2 years long, the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery on hypertension management need to be investigated.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding weigh management strategies and hypertension, please discuss with your doctor.
Published By :
BMC Medicine
Date :
Aug 23, 2017
