Weight lifting/ beta blockers and supplement safety

History: Heart attack 1993 Tenormin, no surgery.
Cardiac arrest Dec. 2000 Defibrillator installed. Hypoxia suffered as well. Meds= Zestril, Coreg, Synthroid (Hypothyroidism)Coumadin and aspirin.

Within reason (ie: no excessively heavy weights) how safe is it to lift weights in a gym. Also are natural supplements safe amino acids and the like. And lastly can I lift weights while taking Beta Blockers or will that somehow be detrimental.

Any thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Weight lifting is a form of isometric exercise which can lead to thickening of the heart muscle, which is not good. Given that you have had a prior heart attack and cardiac arrest this may not be a good idea whether on beta blockers or not. I would consult with your doctor and review all of your prior heart studies and discuss this issue. Light weight lifting may not be a problem, but one would need to thoroughly review your history. I probably would not recommend it.

There are many natural supplements on the markert today. I am not aware of any "natural substance" which improves survival in a person with your medical conditions.  I treat patients having  a similar medical history to you  with an aspirin, beta blocker, ACE inhibitor and statin(cholesterol lowering medication). Many of these natural supplements may not cause harm but I don't think they help.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE

[GERI1936]

A related discussion, NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS was started.