Bariatric surgery to reduce cardiovascular events in obese patients

Bariatric Surgery for the Reduction of cArdioVascular Events Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Population Health Research Institute · NCT05531474

This study tests if bariatric surgery can help people with severe obesity and heart disease lower their risk of serious heart problems better than just medical weight management.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPopulation Health Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05531474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of bariatric surgery compared to medical weight management in patients with severe obesity and high-risk cardiovascular disease. It aims to determine if bariatric surgery can safely reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Additionally, the study will explore the cost-effectiveness of the surgery and conduct sub-studies on its impact on mental health, cardiac structure and function, as well as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher and high-risk cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not severely obese or do not have high-risk cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular events in obese patients with existing heart conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for bariatric surgery in improving cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; OR BMI ≥30 kg/m2 to 34.9 kg/m2 and have type 2 diabetes or are \>55 years of age
2. Age ≥18 years
3. High-risk CVD, defined as the presence of any one of the following:

   1. High-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) (i.e., history of MI, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, or stenoses ≥ 50% in 2 or more major coronary arteries)
   2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 40%
   3. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF \> 40%) and either HF hospitalization in the last 2-years or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) \> 300 pg/ml or BNP \> 100 pg/ml in the past 12 months
   4. Documented atrial fibrillation (AF) with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 stroke risk score
   5. History of any stroke
   6. Documented peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (i.e., peripheral revascularization of the iliac, infra-inguinal or carotid arteries; limb or foot amputation for arterial vascular disease; or ≥50% carotid or peripheral artery stenosis)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hospital admission for HF, myocardial infarction, stroke or coronary revascularization within 30 days of randomization
2. Percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug eluting stent within 90 days of randomization.
3. Pregnancy
4. Contraindication to bariatric surgery
5. Prior bariatric surgery, other than gastric banding
6. Life expectancy \<2 years from non-cardiovascular causes
7. Inability to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular ComplicationBariatric Surgery Candidate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.