The goal of this observational study is to learn if weight loss surgery can lower fat inside the heart muscle and improve how the heart relaxes in adults with obesity.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does fat inside the heart muscle decrease after weight loss surgery? Does heart relaxation (diastolic function) improve after surgery? Are changes in heart fat linked to changes in weight, body fat, and blood markers?
Participants who are already planning to have weight loss surgery will take part in this study.
Participants will:
Have a heart CT scan to measure fat in the heart muscle before surgery and about 6 months after surgery Have an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) to check how the heart fills and relaxes Have body composition testing to measure fat and muscle Have blood tests, including routine tests and additional markers related to heart function and metabolism
Researchers will compare each participant's results before and after surgery to see if heart fat decreases and if heart function and blood markers improve.
Adults aged 18 years or older
Scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery for standard clinical indications
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%
Able to undergo cardiac computed tomography (CT)
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%
Known cardiomyopathies, including sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, or myocarditis
Significant valvular heart disease
Contraindication to cardiac CT (e.g., severe renal dysfunction, contrast allergy)
Itshak Amsalem
Lead sponsor
Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Sponsor institution