Impact of obesity and bariatric surgery on cardiovascular disease.

Morbid obesity is a growing public health concern with multiple associated cardiovascular comorbidities. Bariatric surgery has emerged as a safe and effective treatment for morbidly obese patients at risk for, or already suffering from, cardiovascular disease. Weight loss induced by the surgery has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac structure and function, and the clinical course of established cardiovascular disease. The role of adipocyte-derived cytokines in mediating cardiovascular pathophysiology in obesity-and its modulation after weight loss-is under active investigation.