Question:

What could be causing my husband’s lack of energy a year after his heart attack? 

My husband had a heart attack a year ago. He had a stent placed in the LAD artery. He still has no energy. Most of the time he comes home from work and has to sleep 2 or 3 hours. Cardiologist says not heart related. He takes Plavix and Toprol XL.

Submitted by Michele from Pennsylvania on 10/21/2013

Answer:
by George Younis, MD

Severe fatigue is a common side effect of metoprolol (trade name, Toprol XL), and that should be considered as a possible etiology. Also people may feel fatigued after a heart attack itself, if there was substantial damage to the heart muscle. But often people will feel better with taking them off metoprolol and considering other agents.