Effects of bariatric surgery on markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial function: a meta-analysis of literature studies

Several studies confirmed a significantly increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and impaired flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) in obese subjects, but few data are available on the effects of bariatric surgery on these markers of cardiovascular risk. We performed a meta-analysis of studies evaluating changes in IMT, FMD and NMD in obese patients after bariatric surgery.