Weight Loss and heart meds

[LesleyJ59]

Hi, I'm on medication after having a mild heart attack (no stents needed) back in 2017. I've recently made an effort to lose weight for my own health. I've lost about 2 stone in 6 months and wondered if some of my meds should be reduced .I'm taking 1.25mg Ramipril, 80mg Atorvastatin, Aspirin and 5mg Amlodipine. Any thoughts or advice gratefully received, thanks.

[Hidden]

Firstly we'll done for losing that amount of weight!! Good for you!! Maybe a wee chat with your gp would help? Did you follow a specific diet or just cut down??

[LesleyJ59 in reply to Hidden]

Hey Doora, thanks! I started off with the Noom app then switched to another one. Basically it's calorie counting and I haven't found it too difficult. I will go to my GP but wondered if anyone had experience with meds and weight loss.

[firstlight40]

Congratulations on the weight loss, it will certainly help your heart health. You didn't say what your new weight was but in any case your GP is the one to ask as the atorvastatin and ramipril doses will be guided by your cholesterol level and blood pressure respectively. You'll be on aspirin for life after an HA and the amlodipine is there to protect against another HA and reduce your blood pressure. You should be getting at least an annual blood test and checkup in any case but no harm in asking for one now.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello... Generally the drugs that can be affected by weight loss are the ones for blood pressure. Last year when I had a BKA (below knee amputation) I had also developed a serious infection and was in danger of sepsis. On transfer to rehab I had lost 15kg in addition to the weight of my leg - in total over 20% of my total body weight. I had had severe problems trying to stand on one leg with a Zimmer frame. In rehab it was found I had hypotension and my Lisinopril withdrawn whilst I remained on 1.25 mg Bisoprolol (minimum dose). As I regained weight 2.5 mg Lisinopril was added at my request as it helps protect the kidneys in the presence of diabetes. I am back to slightly my original weight but the Lisinopril dose remains the same which is 1!8th of my original dose. So I seriously suggest checking your BP if it hasn't been checked already.

[Dossy]

Hi not actually andwering uour question but I noted you ate on 80mg Atorvastatin.Have you had side effects like cramps/ burning sensation/ gdneral discomfort in the legs?

[LesleyJ59 in reply to Dossy]

Hi Dossy. No, apart from occasional mild restless leg syndrome I haven't had those symptoms.