Bariatric surgery to cut spate of heart deaths? Docs debate

METABOLIC SYNDROME AFFECTS 50% IN 50-59 AGE GRP: STUDIES

- Malathy.Iyer

Amid increasing concerns over the current rise in sudden cardiac deaths, a medical journal has suggested that bariatric surgery— previously known as stomach-stapling surgery—could be the solution for Indians.

The editorial, written by bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel in the latest edition of the ‘Journal of Bariatric Surgery’, the official publication of the Obesity Surgery Society of India, focuses on the epidemic of metabolic syndrome among Indians that makes them more prone to diabetes, heart attack and stroke. The argument is that bariatric surgery could reduce the severity of these diseases, thereby reducing the risk of sudden death.

Metabolic syndrome isn’t a disease but a clutch of conditions such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, uncontrolled sugar and large waist circumference. “People undergo supra-major surgery for cancer, so why not for metabolic syndrome when there is growing evidence that it leads to premature deaths,” asked Dr Goel. He said almost 50% of Indians in the 50-59 age group have a metabolic syndrome.