Obesity and Hypertension

Even though Connecticut is considered the third least obese state in the nation, the obesity rate among adults has still nearly doubled in fifteen years to 21.8 percent. Not surprisingly, when the rate of obesity increased, so did the incidence of hypertension. In Connecticut, the rate of hypertension climbed from 21 percent fifteen years ago to its current rate of nearly 26 percent. Obesity and hypertension are intimately connected. More than 85% of patients who have hypertension are over-weight or obese.

Hypertension, the silent killer

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because most patients are not aware that their blood pressure is elevated. Persistent hypertension, though, is a risk factor for numerous diseases that can affect well-being, including:

• Stroke
• Myocardial infraction
• Heart failure
• Arterial aneurisms
• Kidney failure

Even moderate hypertension can lead to a shortened life-expectancy.

Risk factors for hypertension

Although no direct cause has been identified, there are many factors that have been found to increase hypertension. Here are a few of the most common risk factors:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Family history of hypertension
• Nutrient deficiencies such as Vitamin D and potassium
• Stress

Insulin resistance, which is a component of the metabolic syndrome, is also thought to contribute to hypertension.

Diagnosis and Treatment of hypertension

Hypertension refers to the increased pressure that blood exerts to the inner walls of the arteries. Hypertension is diagnosed as having a systolic (top number) above 140 and or diastolic (lower number) blood pressure reading of 90 and above.

Hypertension is treated with anti-hypertension medications, such as ACE inhibitors, low dose diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. Some treatments indicate a combination of these drugs.

Weight loss and an active lifestyle can have a major impact on hypertension. Weight loss is the most important step in achieving a normal blood pressure, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of early death.

Bariatric surgery can improve hypertension

Hypertension is the most common medical disorder associated with obesity. The relationship between dietary weight loss and the reduction of blood pressure is well established. However, patients who suffer from severe obesity experience great difficulty losing body weight through lifestyle changes such as nutrition and exercise alone. Anti-hypertensive medications often fall short in the severely obese, resulting in a multitude of medicines that may not achieve persistent, normal blood pressure readings.

Bariatric surgery has been documented to resolve or improve hypertension in nearly 80 percent of severely obese patients. All procedures, including the Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Lap-Band have shown improvement in hypertension because weight loss surgery leads to significant and sustained weight loss, particularly with adherence to a healthy lifestyle. The significant weight loss contributes also to the overall health and well-being of weight loss surgery patients.

To learn more about how hypertension can improve or be resolved after bariatric surgery, please register for a free seminar.