Weight gain

[Mags2156]

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well. My question is has anyone else experienced weight gain since HA and medication? I'm 6 months post HA and 1 stent, I'm eating more healthy, exercise at aquafit twice a week but I'm gaining wait, particularly around my middle, anyone else the same? Didn't know whether to discuss it with my gpTIA Mags

[Tos92]

Hi Mags2156

Unfortunately, I have gained a little bit of weight since my HA last year too. For me, it’s been a combination of medication and exercising less due to the concerns I had around triggering another potential HA or a coronary artery spasm which triggered my HA.

I’m not sure what medication you’re on, but water weight is sometimes common with a few cardiac meds. I know that has been the case for me. If it’s bothersome for you, then perhaps it is better to speak to your GP and see if your meds can be adjusted.

All the best.

Tos

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

Tos, Have you been offered cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab can really help you gain the confidence to exercise safely.

Exercise is really important if you have vasospastic angina as it helps improve the function of your endothelium.

I have had the support of an amazing Physiotherapist who helped me develop an individualised exercise programme.

I have to warm up very very slowly and not take my heart rate up too fast and then have a very slow cooling off period.

My main issue is that I can get delayed chest pain later in response to exercise.

[Mags2156 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi I've had cardiac rehab and am currently doing aquafit twice a week, thanks for replying 🙂

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Mags2156]

The Cardiac Rehab team I am sure can advise you further.In another reply you listed one of your medications as 'omledapine' do you mean Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and can cause swollen ankles.

Pharmacists can provide you with lots of information about the side effects of the medication you are taking.

[Tos92 in reply to Milkfairy]

Milkfairy I was never offered cardiac rehab, unfortunately. I have mentioned this in previous posts. I perhaps, did not meet the criteria.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

Usually anyone who has had a heart attack is offered Cardiac Rehab.bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo....

The British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation BACPR have recently published this document about the core components of cardiac-rehab.

bacpr.org/

[Tos92 in reply to Milkfairy]

Milkfairy perhaps because the heart attack took place abroad, I was never offered it when I came back to the U.K. and the cardiologists here didn’t think it was necessary when I brought it up.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

Maybe.It's a shame that the Cardiologist you saw didn’t appreciate how important cardiac rehab is for heart patients.

[Mags2156 in reply to Tos92]

Thanks Tos I'm on aspirin disp, atorvastatin , omledapine, ramipril and just finishing ticagrelor

[Tos92 in reply to Mags2156]

Mags2156 water weight/retention does not seem to be a side effect of the medications you are on from a quick Google search that I did. Atorvastatin can cause oedema in the legs/ankles. When you’re not doing Aquafit, perhaps add something else to your exercise routine in the week. Something as simple as walking might help. I have also found that limiting sugar in my foods can help shift the weight a bit too.

[Hidden]

Have you considered doing a bit extra exercise wise, such as brisk walking or maybe couch to 5K? I think there is a common feeling that exercise does not actually help with weight loss but personally I think that is wrong, and something structured would enable you to get up to the 150 recommended minutes of moderate exercise and probably beyond. If you aimed at maybe doing your local Parkrun (you can walk it if you don't feel like jogging/running) it is also a great social event - just an idea assuming you are OK to do so health wise which you sound as if you probably are.

[Maisie2014]

Hi Mags. Short answer is yes. However doctor says it’s not the meds but lack of movement and wrong diet. I’m sorry but after persevering for over four years I’ve finally been told by my dietitian that the meds don’t help. My inhalers are steroids (weight gains from them) and the heart meds are designed to slow you down. I’m still trying to lose weight and get more exercise but truth is I’m older and weight doesn’t come off with exercise. I will say though that counting calories has helped me cut out sugar which has made me feel and sleep much better. Don’t give up. You will get there just don’t worry so much about it.

[Noodlesalad in reply to Maisie2014]

Totally understand. I haven't had sugar for years lost my sweet tooth about five years ago no idea where it went? I have eaten salad five days a week for over a year now still weight loss aludes me.I have osteoarthritis in my knee and my lower spine is as usual with age misaligned and crumbling.....probably due to all the salad (laughing) , good to hear so many saying same as me, more or less.

[RufusScamp]

I have put on 2 stone since my heart problem occurred. I started cardio-rehab, but the Dread Plague intervened. I have now developed arthritis in a hip, and exercise is very difficult.

I wish I could give you some helpful suggestions, other than that exercise, while beneficial, does not help you lose weight.

[Mags2156 in reply to RufusScamp]

Many thanks Rufus and everyone else who replied (had problems replying yesterday) good to hear all your comments, I haven't put tons on but about 1/2 a stone at moment. I'm being very careful what I eat, no sugar and check sugar content in any foods, I'm not obsessed and do like the odd treat but not many. Unfortunately I can't do walking as I get lower back/hip pain if I do more than maybe 300 yards, I'm being tested for osteoporosis (had a scan yesterday) so the aquafit is my main exercise programme at the moment. I forgot to mention I am on bisoprolol and have read that this can cause weight gain. I'll just continue to be careful and try to move around as much as possible, I appreciate all of your responses, take care Mags

[Noodlesalad]

Hi I have been eating salad five days a week for over a year now and not lost any weight at all I feel so fed up!As for exercise which ofcourse is one of the main keys to weight loss alongside diet I find difficult due to osteoarthritis and spinal problems. I don't sit all day at all and yesterday all I did was clean the windows in my tiny lounge and I was so breathless and fatigued I had to sit down for a couple of hours to get some energy back and my blood pressure went through the roof.

I am going to be very interested in the replies you receive because I really don't know how to eat any healthier.

[Mags2156]

That's interesting, thank you, my back pain has been for over a year now but I've only noticed the weight gain, mainly round my middle, in the last 3 months so I'm sure it's not due to diet or lack of exercise. If I gain more I'll speak to my gp and ask.