How to Help Your Heart

Orlando, Fla.: My husband is 44 years old, has been taking blood pressure and cholesterol meds for 10 years and now wants to get off them. He thinks that the meds are causing him to be hungry constantly, even after a full meal—he has an extra 35 pounds on him right now and is getting a bit depressed. How can I help him get off the meds and lose weight?

You probably can be a big help to him, and you can start by assuring him that he is not alone. Many other Americans are carrying this much extra weight and more, and are feeling depressed—and hungry! I am a bit nervous about his blaming his medications, because I doubt they are the cause of his hunger, and he might use this notion as an excuse to stop taking them. That could cause his blood pressure to go out of control, leading to a stroke or other complications.

You should consider going to a nutritionist together. His hunger even after meals suggests that he is probably eating foods rich in carbohydrates that release a lot of sugar quickly. The sugar load causes his pancreas to secrete a lot of insulin, which drives his sugar levels down, making him even hungrier. Foods that take longer to digest and release their energy will make him feel full longer.

The reason you should go along is that he is more likely to change his diet if you do, too. I presume that you eat together, and you have the ability to help him stay on a healthier regimen. You can help him start and stay on an exercise regimen by making it part of your relationship. A daily walk of 30 minutes or more would be part of my prescription.

Lee is the editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter. He has received awards for his research from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association. He is also a practicing internist and cardiologist. For more information go to health.harvard.edu . Readers should consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

© 2007