Cardiac, Hemodynamic and Electrophysiological Changes in Obesity and the Effects of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Obesity is associated with various diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. It affects the function of several organ systems, including the pulmonary and cardiac systems. Furthermore, it induces pulmonary and cardiac changes that can result in right and/or left heart failure. Secondly it is associated with electrophysiological changes that can induce cardiac arrhythmias and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. In this chapter we will discuss a few components of the complex pathophysiology of obesity on the cardiovascular system; (1) hemodynamic and cardiac structural changes (2) electrophysiological influences of obesity and finally (3) the effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery.