Study: bariatric surgery beats medication for hypertension control

Editor's Note

Findings to be presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2024 suggest bariatric surgery may offer more effective long-term control of high blood pressure for people with obesity compared to medications and lifestyle changes, according to a September 5 report in News Medical.

According to the article, the study combined data from 18 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,300 participants. It found that individuals who underwent weight-loss surgery were 2.77 times more likely to achieve blood pressure remission, defined as reducing blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg without medication. They were also 7.1 times more likely to achieve blood pressure control (below 130/80 mm Hg) while reducing their reliance on medication. Surgery patients also experienced a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure—by an average of 3.67 mm Hg—over an average followup period of one to five years.

Researchers caution that the studies varied in participant characteristics, surgical techniques, and follow-up periods, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. They call for future trials to focus on hypertension outcomes, as many studies primarily target diabetes management.