Fatigue, options other than vasotec?

Posted by Barbara on May 27, 1999 at 11:59:22
My father is 71 years of age and suffered a collpased artery approx. two years ago.  This was his first heart related incident.  He was prescribed and is still taking 2.5 milligrams of vasotec and  ? mg. pravochol.  He continues to suffer from terrible fatigue, including feeling weak in the knees from something as simple as standing up shaving. To date he has never had to use his nitro spray.
I am very concerned about his quality of life.  He is very concerned/anxious that the fatigue is a sign of further heart problems.
1) I wonder about the side effects of the vasotec.  My father is sensitive to medications and I wonder is there another option that would give him the same protection but not the fatigue or ???
2) Is there an antidepressant that would be considered safe for a person his age and condition that we could speak with his physicain about?
Any/all suggestions would be helpful.
Thank you in advance for your time.
A concerned daughter

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 28, 1999 at 17:04:27
Dear Barbara
It is unclear what the fatigue represents. It could be a side effect of the Vasotec if it is dropping his blood pressure too much. Your doctor can check his blood pressure in a seated and standing position and determine if the low dose of Vasotec he is on is too much. Heart disease itself can cause fatigue, and this possibility should be evaluated. Finally, depression is a good thought and his doctor should evaluate him for this also. There are several different antidepressants that are safe for people with heart disease - if your internist is uncomfortable prescribing them, a psychiatrist can.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.