Supplements and medication? - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Supplements and medication?

CC62 profile image
CC62
18 Replies

Since being diagnosed over the phone with suspected angina in Nov and only having spoken to a cardiac nurse to answer some form questions I've not had the chance to talk to anyone about what is going on or what I should/shouldn't be doing etc. I have learnt a few things by research and reading posts here such as because I'm on low dose aspirin I shouldn't be taking extra Omega-3 (don't know how correct this is).

I was wondering if anyone knows, or can point me in the right direction to find out, if there is anything else supplement wise I shouldn't - or should - be taking. I am dairy and meat free so take calcium and multivitamins along with garlic and CoQ10, I was taking turmeric but stopped. Meds I am on are the aspirin, Propanolol, occasional omeprazole, and Atorvastatin for high cholesterol. I have read B12 is a good one to take and also E & C but not sure if I'm 'covered' by the multivitamins.

I have a phone call with a doctor tomorrow so will be asking her a few questions but depending who it is they may not have that knowledge!

Also, does anyone know if any of my meds can cause weight gain, I've been exercising more and eating healthier but am gaining weight!

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CC62
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18 Replies
-007- profile image
-007-

I can relate to your question. I used to take supplements but now I only take a low dose of vitamin D3 in the winter.

Personally I’d ask your pharmacist. Not all supplements are needed or safe.

I mean, who would think that I cannot have grapefruit now!

Take a look at the BHF portion and diet plan

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I lost weight and my cholesterol almost halved following that plan.

All the best 👍

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to -007-

Thank you James! 😉 Couldn't resist and no doubt you've had that response to your '007' more than once! 😄

I did read responses yesterday to a post and a number of people suggested talking to a pharmacist about meds, I'd just never thought to ask them about my supplements and meds.

I know, I was taken aback to read I couldn't have grapefruit!

Thank you for the link I shall have a read. I've struggled so much with losing weight in recent years and get frustrated that any 'diet' plan I see is aimed at reducing food intake and that's not my problem, I have been told I don't eat enough! But I'm willing to give anything a go especially on recommendation.

Thank you. Phone call with doctor this morning so we'll see how that goes!

🙂

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx in reply to CC62

If you eat a good range of veg every day - rainbow plate - then you don’t need multivitamins. Many of these supplements plug into peoples worries and offer life enhancing promises most of which are nonsense. Take a Vit D supplement as per government guidelines, eat oily fish twice a week, lots of veg and exercise outside when possible. CLO has had mixed research around cardiac health but can be useful for joint pains which is well documented. CoQ10 can counter the side effects of statins. I hope that helps - I’m one of those pharmacists that you were unaware can help with advice on meds. The only front line health professional who you can just walk in and talk too - though be patient as we’re extremely stretched at the moment.

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to JennyRx

Thank you for that Jenny. We definitely eat plenty of fruit and veg now though maybe not in the variety we need to, something to look in to. I was told by a doctor to take calcium and multivitamins because I don't eat meat or dairy, though the alternatives we use do have added calcium etc. We have been having oily fish 2-3 times a week but I did read that on aspirin I shouldn't be eating much as it thins the blood? I didn't know that about CoQ10 so thank you. We have dogs so I get a minimum 30mins out in the fields just about every day and I tend to walk reasonably briskly most of the time plus I try to do 30 mins of cardio exercises at home most days.

I shall be making more use of my local pharmacist in future, we are rural so our local one is not so busy but I am aware of the effect this pandemic is having on all healthcare professionals and take my hat off to you all.

Can I ask, is there an antacid I can take as I have read not to take Gaviscon which always works so well for me.

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx in reply to CC62

I haven’t read about not eating oily fish with aspirin. It is part of a heart healthy diet so let me know the source of info. If you’re eating a variety of veg then you’re getting your vitamins in a form that your body can make better use of. Calcium might be an issue but a lot of plant milks are fortified. Calcium can also act as an antacid so might help your reflux. But better to look at the cause of reflux and heartburn than treat it per se. It has to be said that some sort of impact work - jogging etc is really important particularly for women. This helps increase the bone density which becomes really crucial post menopausal. It works better the younger you start. I started jogging regularly when I was 40 and I had a bone scan last year because my breast cancer treatment can cause osteoporosis and was pleased to hear that my bones are in excellent nick and I don’t need another scan for five years. And as importantly is not to worry too much as that has an impact on your general health. As for variety in veg think rainbow and try a new veg at least twice a week. X

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to JennyRx

Thank you for all that Jenny.

To be honest it was during some Google searching it came up so couldn't tell you specifically where but I seem to recall I read it on more than 1 site. It was something to do with both aspirin and Omega-3 doing the same sort of job which wasn't a good thing.

We could probably eat a greater variety of veg but I don't like strong flavours which rules some things out, like peppers, can't stand those! Hubby cooks and likes to stick with the same thing but we are trying to add variety, I shall have a rethink about what we do eat and what we can add. I have Alpro cashew nut milk which is fortified but my doctor still seemed to think calcium was a good idea.

I mostly tend to get heartburn if I eat anything too sweet but I haven't had it for ages even prior to taking the Omeprazole, which was prescribed because I find Ibuprofen makes me feel a little queasy so the doctor thought it a good idea to take with the aspirin, I take it every other day, if I leave it 3 days I get heartburn.

That's interesting. I know my sister who had breast cancer 8 years ago now as problems with osteoporosis which is getting worse. The workouts I do have some marching but maybe I'll see if I can find some with jogging, though I do get out of breath quickly so it will be slow jogging!

I think I ended up in A&E 3 days after my diagnosis because of worry so now I try to just get with life and be as healthy as I can be but know I have more to do but I'm not trying to do it all at once and worrying about not being able to.

Thank you again. x

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx in reply to CC62

If I eat any baked goods I get heartburn. I’m now low carb due to pre diabetes and despite being on dual platelet therapy rarely get heartburn or reflux now as no bread, pasta etc. I will look up the omega 3 and antiplatelet and see what I can find. I try and avoid omeprazole as it can also cause osteoporosis and also disturb the gut biome a lot.

You’re on the right track and I wouldn’t dwell on it all too much.

Take care, stay safe x

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to JennyRx

That would be very helpful regarding the omega 3, thank you.

I have tried a couple of times to stop the Omeprazole as had heard it wasn't a good thing to be on for the gut (didn't know about the osteoporosis) especially long term, but as I say, more than a couple of days without and I get heartburn. I should have thought to ask the doctor yesterday for an alternative, any suggestions?

Thank you, you too. x

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx in reply to CC62

Omega 3 can have an anti clotting effect I’ve discovered but I’m not sure how significant it’s effect is. Oily fish and Omega 3 are generally regarded as cardio protective. I’m happy myself to continue taking these supplements and eating my fish. Of course too much salmon etc contains heavy metals which is a good reason not to over do it.

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to JennyRx

Thank you Jenny. I shall start taking my Omega -3 again I think and aim for other oily fish along with salmon. You've been very helpful. Stay safe. x

-007- profile image
-007- in reply to CC62

Hahaha no one has picked up on the 007 and called me James, you’re the first.

Best of luck with the Doc today.

My name is Bond, James Bond and I take my soluble aspirin shaken not stirred. 😜

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to -007-

😂 Maybe I should be more inventive with my aspirin!

I spoke to one of the doctors I liked and she did help quite a bit so put my mind at rest about a couple of things so now it's just waiting for the echo and angio and then I guess a chat with a cardiologist.

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to CC62

I ve taken low dose aspirin and omega 3,6 and 9 for over a decade . When I saw my cardiologist he was happy about it

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to Peony4575

Thank you for that Peony4575, it is one of the supplements I'd like to keep taking for my joints so good to hear.

Ellie21662 profile image
Ellie21662

Hi, I had to stop taking the statin I’m afraid, seems I’m not compatible, severe muscle pain, I just couldn’t bear it 😥so now I’m on nothing for my high colesterol, trying to manage it with diet but my high score is due to genetics and not lifestyle, hope you keep well xx

CC62 profile image
CC62 in reply to Ellie21662

I've been lucky and not had any side effects but it was worrying when the cardiac nurse put my dosage up from 20mg to 80mg so I'm doing all I can diet wise to help including taking a daily Benecol drink. I do wonder if there is genetics at play with me too as our diet is actually pretty good. Thank you, you too. x

CC62 profile image
CC62

I am due a blood test this month so can always ask if they can test for any deficiencies, good idea.

I am terrible at knowing what I should or shouldn't be eating to get the right amount of vitamins, minerals etc. I'm good at knowing - and eating - healthy foods like fruit and veg but not proportions of what kind.

I've been taking a ground Flaxseed, Chia Seed, apple and cinnamon mix for a couple of weeks now after reading it was good for you, I mix it with my smoothie or have it on my porridge.

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx

If your son needs multivitamins on prescription that means he has been assessed as needing them. But in the general population, with a good and varied diet, there isn’t any need except for D. And B12 for vegans. Taking vitamins and minerals out of the context of their natural existence in food is not as effective as eating the food. Not always possible for everyone due to restricted diets or particular health conditions I know but a waste of money for the general populace on a good and varied diet. Research has even shown that multivitamin takers have a slightly shorter life expectancy, but it’s not clear what the mechanism is.

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