Bariatric surgery that reduces stomach size can lower the chance of heart failure by boosting blood flow to the heart muscle. A study reported in a prominent cardiology journal noted this improvement occurs through enhanced circulation in the heart’s microvessels. Researchers measured blood flow with a specialized MRI technique designed to visualize the tiniest vessels in the heart muscle. (Citation: Heart Disease; JACC Cardiovascular Imaging)
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of heart failure, a connection researchers believe partly stems from diminished blood flow in the heart’s small vessels. The new findings add to the understanding of how weight-loss interventions may protect heart health by improving microvascular perfusion.
In the study group, data were collected from 27 individuals six months after bariatric surgery. Those who underwent the procedure showed better perfusion in the heart’s small arteries and capillaries, as detected by the specialized MRI measurements. This suggests true physiological improvement in how blood reaches heart tissue after substantial weight loss.
Commenting on the results, the research team noted that prior work has shown weight-loss surgery can lower cardiovascular risk and related mortality. The current work gives additional context by illustrating a concrete mechanism—improved blood flow at the microvascular level—that accompanies weight reduction.
At the six-month mark, participants had an average weight reduction of about 29 pounds. Among the subgroup with type 2 diabetes, the majority demonstrated better glycemic control compared with their preoperative state. Additional metabolic changes were observed, including reduced liver fat, lower blood pressure, and a decrease in levels of atherogenic lipids. Each of these shifts aligns with a lower overall cardiovascular risk profile.
Some researchers have pursued ways to promote weight loss without notable side effects, aiming to complement surgical options with safer, long-term alternatives. The evolving landscape of obesity management continues to seek approaches that support heart health alongside sustainable weight control, underscoring the importance of individualized strategies for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.