High Protein Diet With Heart Failure?

[Aqua68]

Hi all,

I am new to the site and I wondered if anyone has done a high protein/low carb diet whilst suffering from heart failure. I was diagnosed 18 months ago aged 48 and I am now stable with meds. I have been putting on weight consistently since diagnosis(I was already 3 stone overweight before this) and wondered if this kind of diet is safe for me. I do tend to have low blood pressure too with the medication I take. Has anyone done low carbing successfully and safely?

[Maryjd]

I am on a high protein, low carb diet as advised by my doctor because I am over weight. I had a heart attack last Yr and also found to have fatty liver disease. I've been on this diet since Feb and have lost 1st 6lbs which I'm really pleased about. It's hard work to start with but once you get used to it it becomes easier. Healthier eating and gentle exercise gives you a real boost along with weight loss, best thing I ever did. Visit your GP and speak to them for advice before going on any diet. Good luck

[stevejb1810]

Yes, you can do this type diet. Rather than cutting out all carbs - near impossible - just make sure you eat the good carbs (so cut out starchy products/produce e.g. white bread, potatoes, pasta, white rice, sugar in your tea or soft drinks etc.) and eat lots of green carbs (high fibre carbs) - they'll help you stay full longer and are good for your overall health. Not all carbs are bad for you, just try and eat the good ones!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi. I have heart failure too and have dabbled in low-carb eating over the last year or so. I have to say I feel much better when I'm doing it - more energy, less breathlessness etc. As Steve said, I didn't cut out all carbs (was still eating loads of beans and pulses for example) but really cut back on bread, pasta etc. I'm aiming to eat less carbs longer term but am a terrible carb fiend when I'm tired or disorganised...which is most of the time! Ha!

Always best to consult a doctor before making major diet/exercise changes, but I don't see why a lower-carb diet would cause you any problems, provided you are not too extreme with it. Good luck!

[Aqua68]

Thanks for the replies! Yes to eating pulses, Laura. I have dabbled in low-carbing before and do include beans and peas, so not too strict. My partner has type 2 diabetes so this diet will help his blood sugar too. Just need to stick to it this time! I found the Diet Doctor website which seems great and enjoy cooking so I am all set!

[Routemaster]

Hi All

I too am a relative newcomer as my heart failure was diagnosed in April. The diet advice I was given was to have carbohydrates with every meal so that there is a slow release of energy. I too have low blood pressure.

My energy levels do seem good and I have lost some weight.

Good luck with your diet plans!