High Blood Pressure and Weight Loss Surgery
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be caused by many different health factors. However, obesity is one of the most common risk factor in adults.
Blood pressure is measured by taking into account the resistance your blood encounters when pumped through your heart, and how much blood is moving through your vessels. The excess fat cells in your body will secrete enzymes that causes the blood vessels to narrow. Obesity also can cause fat cells to build up in your arteries, making them narrow and heightening your blood pressure.
Hypertension is very common, with around 1 in 3 adults in Australia experiencing consistent high blood pressure. It is more likely to affect men (effecting ~25%) than women (effecting ~20%). We monitor blood pressure with either a digital machine or with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. The normal blood pressure is around 120/80mmHg, read out as 120 over 80.
If hypertension goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as reducing the amount of salt in your diet, or with medication.
High blood pressure often goes undetected as the condition may need to become quite severe before symptoms become apparent. The symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Chest pain
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nose bleeds
If you experience these symptoms and have recognised other risk factors in yourself, such as obesity, immediately talk to your GP and get your blood pressure checked.
How Weight Loss Surgery Can Help Reduce Your Risk of High Blood Pressure
Multiple studies have shown that weight loss can lower your blood pressure. The connection between high blood pressure and obesity has been apparent for a long time to the medical community. However, in 2014, the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute identified the precise link with a study that demonstrated a hormone secreted by fat, known as leptin, increases blood pressure. Put simply, as a person begins to lose weight, this hormone decreases, and your blood pressure lowers. Also, as your weight reduces, the fat built up around your blood vessels and arteries begins to reduce, and helps lower your blood pressure.
Ultimately, the most effective way for obese individuals to lose weight long term is to undergo bariatric surgery performed by a reputable professional, such as Mr. Siva Gounder. Depending on the type of weight loss surgery, patients may see anywhere between 40-90% excess weight loss. This will completely transform the way that your body operates, taking the pressure off your heart.
Contact Perth Weight Loss and Surgery for More Information
High blood pressure can go unnoticed for a long time, yet it can have very severe health implications. If your GP has notified you of your heightened blood pressure, it may be time to look into weight loss surgery as an option. Get in touch with our team to learn more about weight loss surgery.
