Weight loss surgery not only helps shed pounds, but also plays a crucial role in enhancing cardiovascular health. Each year patients who are dealing with heart health issues look to weight loss surgery for one possible, and life-changing, solution.
In this blog,we want to give you a closer look at the connection between weight and heart health and how bariatric surgeries can reduce risks of heart disease. In addition, we will also explore other weight loss options beyond surgery, like weight loss injections.
What is the Importance of Heart Health?
Having strong heart health is essential for your overall well-being, as your heart serves to keep your body running. The heart is responsible for many functions of the body, from transporting oxygen to keeping your immune system strong. Without a strong heart, your risk of additional complications increases.
Signs of a Healthy Heart
Here are some signs to know that your heart is both strong and healthy:
- Normal respiratory rate of 12 – 20 breaths per minute
- Ability to properly regulate your regular heart rate following a workout
- A heart rate between 60 – 100 BPM
- Blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg
- Having consistent, quality sleep
- Strong oral health
Signs of Poor Heart Health
Signs to look out for that may indicate poor heart health include:
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in lower extremities
- Weight gain
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Persistent sweating
The Connection Between Weight and Heart Health
Now that you know more about what a healthy heart looks like, let’s see how weight can impact it.
Excess body weight creates more resistance for the heart, requiring it to work harder to pump blood. This increased workload can result in high blood pressure, a condition that is often a precursor to more severe cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, obesity is recognized as an independent risk factor for heart disease.Furthermore, strain on the heart due to obesity can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), where the left side of the heart thickens and enlarges. This condition can severely impact the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. The right side of the heart is not spared either; it can also enlarge due to obesity, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy.
Perhaps one of the most alarming complications of obesity is the accumulation of fat in the arteries. This can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease, as the fatty deposits can restrict blood flow.
Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a useful measure to determine whether an individual is at a healthy weight. A higher BMI is often associated with increased health problems, including heart disease. You can check your BMI with our online calculator here.
Thankfully, focusing on weight loss and a heart-healthy lifestyle can greatly enhance heart health and overall well-being.
Weight Loss Surgery Options for Heart Health
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical intervention designed for individuals who are struggling with severe obesity. The three most common types of bariatric weight loss surgery are gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), gastric balloon, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) Surgery
One of the most common bariatric surgeries, gastric bypass, is when a surgeon creates a small pouch connected to the small intestine by closing off a large portion of the stomach. The new, small pouch reroutes the food to the small intestine, while also making you feel fuller sooner. By feeling fuller sooner, you are more likely to consume fewer calories and therefore lose weight.
Gastric Balloon Surgery
During gastric balloon surgery, an intragastric balloon is placed in the stomach to help reduce food intake. This type of medical device can also reduce the “hunger hormone”, and also make you feel fuller faster. By reducing food intake and hunger signals, you are more likely to reduce your calories and shed body fat.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy works by a surgeon removing a portion of the stomach, which limits the amount of food intake. Again, limiting food intake leads to fewer consumed calories and, therefore, fat loss.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery for Better Heart Health
Weight loss surgery can significantly lower cardiovascular risk factors by promoting substantial weight loss. This reduction in weight leads to improvements in various cardiovascular risk factors, thereby enhancing overall heart health.
Improved Blood Pressure
Post-operative weight loss through bariatric surgery often leads to lower blood pressure levels, which is vital in managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular disease risks. Having proper blood pressure not only decreases the likelihood of additional health complications, but also keeps the body functioning properly through moving oxygen and nutrients to the correct organs.
Enhanced Blood Flow
Weight loss surgery has been associated with enhanced blood flow, which means that the body can circulate oxygen-rich blood more efficiently. Improved circulation and better oxygen delivery throughout the body after significant weight loss is crucial for maintaining heart health.
Reduced Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Bariatric surgery is associated with a lowered risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Not only can weight loss surgery lower the risk of heart attacks, but can reduce the risk of diabetes and of experiencing angina. Additionally, weight loss surgery patients may notice an improvement in mood and energy.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
There are requirements that individuals must meet to qualify for weight loss surgery, these include:
- Tried, and found no success, with other weight loss solutions
- A BMI of 40 or higher
- A BMI of 35 or higher in addition to obesity-related health issues.
- A BMI of 30 or higher with type 2 diabetes
Potential Risks and Complications of Weight Loss Surgery
In most cases, the potential of risk or complications from a weight loss surgery are slim, especially when performed with a skilled bariatric surgeon. Yet, with any major surgery its important for patients to weigh the risks that are associated with a procedure. Bariatric surgery does carry potential risks like:
- Excessive Bleeding
- Infection
- Nausea
- Blood Cots
- Gastric Leak
- Gallstones
How to Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery
Once you meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss weight loss surgery options, and if your doctor finds you to be an ideal candidate, they may have ways to better prepare you for this procedure. Some steps patients may take to prepare for a weight loss surgery include:
- Undergoing proper test(s), like X-rays, for further detail
- Loose further weight if needed and directed by doctor
- Stopping certain medications
- Partake in a pre-surgery diet as instructed by doctor
- Create a proper plan for recovery
- Complete additional paperwork
What Lifestyle Changes Are Necessary After Weight Loss Surgery?
Following weight loss surgery, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle to keep the weight off. A few lifestyle changes that are necessary to make include:
- Diet: Including more protein and whole foods into your diet can help you feel full longer, while also providing you with the adequate nutrients your body needs to function. Aim for smaller portions, while also limiting snacking to keep the weight off. In addition, keep your intakes of sugar and processed foods at a minimum, and be sure to increase your intake of water.
- Exercise: Staying active will also help to keep some of the weight off and also is helpful for overall heart health! Try to stay active 3 -4 times a week, focusing on cardio or strength training.
Heart Health and Weight Loss Injections
For those who are interested in alternatives to weight loss surgery, weight loss injections can be another means for adequate weight loss. Weight loss injections, also known as GLP-1 inhibitors, like Ozempic, are injections that control blood sugar for patients with type 2 diabetes. These types of injections also work to suppress appetite and hunger ques, leading to less food intake and subsequent weight loss.
Final Thoughts on Weight Loss Surgery and Heart Health
Weight loss surgery offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with severe obesity and its associated health problems. By significantly reducing weight, it can lead to improved blood pressure, enhanced blood flow, and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and prepare adequately for the procedure.
Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing intervention for those aiming to improve their heart health and overall quality of life. By making informed decisions and committing to necessary lifestyle changes, individuals can achieve lasting benefits and a healthier future.
Weight Loss Surgery with Nashville Bariatrics in Nashville, TN
If you’re ready to take control of your heart health through weight loss surgery, then contact Nashville Bariatrics in Nashville, Tennessee, today. Dr. Patrick Davis, MD, FACS, is one of our skilled surgeons with Nashville Bariatrics who is known for his extensive knowledge, expertise, and to each patient.
Our entire team is here to support you on your weight loss journey, whether this is your first time looking into options or further along in your story. Wherever you land, allow Nashville Bariatrics to play a role in your heart health and weight loss journey.