Med Changes Weight Loss?

Hi everyone.  My mom has been having recurring high blood pressure off and on for quite a while now despite the fact she is taking Atenolol, Simvastin, and Lisinopril.  My mom had a mini stroke in August of 2009 and says she's been feeling very shaky much like she did before this happened.  Her blood pressure never seems to be normal, generally 180-something over 90-100 something.  My dad is in bad health as well, and this puts a lot of stress on her.  She has a doctor appointment setup, and I am trying to figure out what might be a good route for her.  I know the Atenolol wears her down and I know at least two of these medications tend to cause weight gain.  Is there anything we should ask the doctor about that might help my mom lose a bit of the weight she's put on since beginning these medications?  

[erijon]

Welcome and thanks for your question. A couple of thoughts. First is that your mother's BP meds are beta blockers and work by slowing down her heart rate which may be making her less active and leading to the weight gain. You may want to ask your doctor about an ARB that works by keeping her areteries more flexible which would help he stay more active and may help with her weight.

Also, the Simvastatin may also help add a few pounds as weight lgain is a remote side effect, she may want to ask her doctor about that as I have heard this complaint from others as well.

Hopes this helps,

Jon

[erijon]

Welcome and thanks for your question. A couple of thoughts. First is that your mother's BP meds are beta blockers and work by slowing down her heart rate which may be making her less active and leading to the weight gain. You may want to ask your doctor about an ARB that works by keeping her areteries more flexible which would help he stay more active and may help with her weight.

Also, the Simvastatin may also help add a few pounds as weight lgain is a remote side effect, she may want to ask her doctor about that as I have heard this complaint from others as well.

Hopes this helps,

Jon