What evidence is there to suggest bariatric surgery may be safe and effective for patients with Heart Failure (HF)?
A few notable studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in obese patients with HF. In a retrospective study of 14 patients with HFrEF who underwent bariatric surgery, the surgery was associated with a large reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) and improved Left Ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. The Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of the surgery and control groups were similar at follow-up. Additionally, in the Swedish Obesity Surgery (SOS) study, patients in the surgery group compared with obese patients without surgery were more likely to have normal diastolic function and improved systolic function.