Liquid Diet

[kaiyren]

HI Dr. Fett,

I have a current EF of 55% and I was dx in July 2006... I have about 100lbs that I need to lose and I have started medifast (a meal replacement where you have 5 shakes and 1 healthy meal a day, but I have adjusted it so that I'm having 2 meals a day and 4 shakes). I have heard you mention something about electrolytes - how does a liquid diet effect your electrolytes? Can you explain this to me? Also, can you tell me about other precautions to this for someone with PPCM?

[JAMESFETT]

Congratulations on reaching recovery levels of heart function? The electrolytes should be no problem for you because you are recovered and the diet you are on should have sufficient potassium and magnesium. Furthermore, you are not taking diuretics any longer. Keep up the good work. Right now I am in Haiti and will return soon (I think).

JD

[kaiyren]

HI Dr. Fett, thanks for your reply! Actually, I'm still on lasix (40/day) because of my weight, my doctor didn't want me to come off of them because of how heavy I am. I am also still on coreg (6.25 a day), and lisinopril... does that still pose any problems?

Thanks so much for your help!!

karen

[JAMESFETT]

No problem, so far as the Coreg and lisinopril. The lasix, of course, could cause excess loss of potassium and magnesium. From the standpoint of your heart function, with LV EF over 50 %, you should do just fine without the lasix; and I think it is in your long-range interest to stop the lasix, since it is not needed for your heart. It would be good to work with your physicians with that dosing. Best wishes,

JD

[kaiyren]

Thanks so much - I really appreciate your help!!!