Alli is a commonly used weight loss pill that is the brand name for the medication orlistat. Alli can be purchased without a prescription and is safe for many people to use, but it can cause some side effects. Although most of the side effects do not affect your heart, some people develop high blood pressure when taking Alli. Talk to your doctor before taking Alli or any other weight loss medication.
How Does Alli Work?
Alli and other formulations of orlistat work by inhibiting the absorption of fat by the intestines. Orlistat blocks the activity of an enzyme known as lipase; this enzyme helps to break down dietary fats into a form that can be absorbed by your digestive tract. Because fats are relatively high in calories, impairing the absorption of dietary fat can decrease the amount of calories that you absorb from your food, helping you to lose weight.
Alli and Hypertension
Although there are few documented cases of Alli causing any heart problems, there is a documented case of a previously healthy 40-year-old woman developing high blood pressure after taking orlistat, Drugs.com notes. The patient's blood pressure increased to potentially dangerous levels and she also developed edema and other health problems. Her symptoms subsided when she stopped taking orlistat. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and can increase your risk of heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Alli can also potentially cause electrolyte imbalances. Alli can cause diarrhea or unusually oily feces due to poor intestinal absorption of fats. Diarrhea can deplete your body of important electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, that are important for heart function. Alli can also interfere with the absorption of some vitamins, such as vitamin D, which is needed to properly absorb calcium from the diet. Low calcium levels can also interfere with heart function.
Considerations
Although Alli is safe for most people and can be purchased without a prescription, you should talk with your doctor before taking this or any other diet medication. Even if Alli does not directly result in heart problems, it can affect other parts of your body, including your liver, in ways that can cause serious health problems. Alli can also interfere with the absorption of some medications.
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