Decreased appetite since heart attack

[Callie456]

I've noticed my appetite has decreased since my HA 5 months ago. At first I thought it was just after effects of being in hospital or being very anxious about what had happened etc. But time is going by and my appetite just hasn't returned. I used to often feel like eating snacks and chocolate. Not that I should be eating lots of that, but now I don't really even feel like it. I can't eat as much for main meals either. I'm just not hungry. Is there a reason for this?

[jeanjeannie50]

I know just how you feel as I was ill a few years ago, couldn't eat for ages afterwards and lost a stone in weight. My appetite never really came back after then. I have smaller meals now, but I've noticed just recently that rubbish food is gradually creeping back into my life and that must stop. If you're not underweight I'd say make the most of it.

Jean

[Callie456 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Ok, thanks Jean.

[Captain_Birdseye]

I've had similar, less of an an appetite and don't fancy booze quite the same... but that's been from a viral infection/myocarditis.

If not malnourished and have a relatively healthy diet then you're probably OK.

[Callie456 in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thankyou

[Lynn1966]

I was exactly the same after my heart attack. I just didn’t really feel hungry. My other half used to cook really good healthy food but I struggled to eat it. I lost 3 stone. It took me nearly two years to put a stone back on. Hopefully your appetite will come back xx

[Callie456 in reply to Lynn1966]

Thanks, did anyone explain why you didn't feel hungry?

[Lynn1966 in reply to Callie456]

no one explained why but they were concerned about my weight loss. Kept checking my weight as I went way under average ( whatever average is) like say Iv put on a stone . I look and feel healthier now.. could well be the medication. Sorry I can’t help xx

[Callie456 in reply to Lynn1966]

Thankyou, that's ok, it's helpful to just know of others' experience with similar things.

[devonian186]

I don't know your medication but some of their side effects could be loss of appetite or slight nausea which would have the same effect. The leaflet or online will spell them out

[Callie456 in reply to devonian186]

Yes, I'm on a lot of meds, that's a good idea, I'll check the leaflets, thanks.

[MountainGoat52]

Just a thought.... I note you haven't had stents due to having narrow arteries so your situation won't be the same as mine, but after my HA (when I did have stents) my cardio-vascular system was so improved that I didn't feel the need for so much food and I took off a whole stone in a week. Coukd it be that the medication is slowly improving your cardio-vascular system with a similar result? As I say, just a thought.

[Callie456 in reply to MountainGoat52]

I daresay anything is possible, so that's an interesting thought, thank you.

[Jazz100]

My hubby is exactly the same. He had a triple bypass almost 2 years ago now and his appetite has never really returned…and his tastes have totally changed. He is virtually pescatarian now. He also struggled with swallowing at times…and gagged a lot over certain foods. Fortunately that has past…but his appetite is smaller that’s for sure.,

[Callie456]

Thankyou

[AnkurKapoor]

After my HA (2 stents), for me it was mental block that stopped me from eating anything that is in the category of food that is not good for heart. Plus I wanted to loose extra weight I had (using the BMI scale).

Another factor is how much physical activity you are doing. For me it really helped as a gradually started building that up. After nearly 2 years now, I enjoy all sorts of food (I love sweets) but in moderation.

[Callie456]

Thankyou, I am doing less physical activity since the HA actually, I hadn't thought about that side of things.