Obesity increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, as blood pressure rises apace with body weight. For those who are overweight and already have high blood pressure, weight loss has the biggest impact on blood pressure numbers. For people with high blood pressure, the class of medications known as beta blockers keeps blood pressure within a healthy range; however, side effects may include weight gain. If you find your weight creeping up as result of your beta blocker prescription, increased attention to diet and exercise helps stabilize the situation.
Identification
According to the Mayo Clinic, several types of beta blocker medication can precipitate weight gain. These include atenolol and metoprolol, better known by the brand names Tenormin, Lopressor and Toprol-XL. On average, patients with high blood pressure gain about 4 lbs., says Mayo Clinic emeritus hypertension specialist Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. Other types of beta blockers, such as carvedilol -- brand name Coreg -- do not typically list weight gain as a side effect.
Considerations
Certain simple diet modifications can get you back on track if your beta blockers have caused some weight gain. Portion control is one way to reduce caloric intake. According to the Weight Control Information Network, comparing serving sizes to everyday objects helps you to recognize a healthy portion size by sight, without the need for scales and constant measuring. A 1/4 cup of raisins, for example, is equivalent to the size of a large egg, and 3 oz. of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
Exercise
Simply adding more activity can net a significant weight loss, however, patients taking beta blockers need to be aware that these mediations affect heart rate. According to Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., beta blockers slow your heart rate down, which means it may be impossible to achieve the number of heartbeats per minute recommended for exercise intensity level. Sheps suggests that patients taking beta blockers rely on their own judgment of how hard they are working based on breathlessness, fatigue, and sweat. Aim for moderate intensity, and always check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
Prevention/Solution
In addition to diet, exercise and medication, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends a decrease in overall salt intake to help control high blood pressure. Avoid salty foods, especially processed foods, as they often contain considerable amounts of salt, according to the FDA. Read processed food labels carefully, and stick to the ones that provide five percent or less sodium, per serving. Potassium rich foods often diminish the impact of sodium on blood pressure, so opt for leafy, green vegetables such as spinach, and fruits from vines such as grapes and kiwi.
Warning
For those patients taking beta blockers for heart failure, tell your doctor or health care provider immediately if your weight gain exceeds 4 lbs., particularly if weight gain continues beyond the first week of drug therapy. Persistent weight gain could indicate fluid build up in the abdomen, chest or legs, says Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., a sign of aggravating heart failure. Also, Real Age warns that circulation problems may occur in diabetics who take beta blockers.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure
- Mayo Clinic: Beta Blockers: Do They Cause Weight Gain?
- Weight Control Information Network: Just Enough for You: About Food Portions
- Mayo Clinic: Beta Blockers: How Do They Affect Exercise?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Lowering Salt in Your Diet
- Real Age Medical Encyclopedia: Preventive Cardiology: Beta-blockers
