Vitamin D depletion impairs hypertension resolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is a risk factor for hypertension (HTN) and vitamin D (VitD) depletion. Gastric bypass (GBP) resolves HTN in many patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential role of VitD nutritional status on HTN resolution in patients undergoing GBP. METHODS: A retrospective review of morbidly obese patients taking antihypertensive medications and undergoing GBP from September 1, 2002, through February 28, 2006 was performed. RESULTS: At 1 year postoperatively HTN resolved in 53%, improved in 36%, and was unchanged in 11%. Sex, race, body mass index, and percentage of excess weight loss did not impact HTN resolution. Younger patients experienced a greater rate of HTN resolution. Patients with VitD depletion had significantly lower rates of HTN resolution compared to those with adequate levels of VitD (42% vs 61%; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: VitD nutritional status impacts the resolution rate of HTN after GBP. All morbidly obese patients undergoing GBP should be monitored and treated for VitD depletion.