How does beta blocker therapy help with heart disease? Beta blockers are a common treatment for congestive heart failure. In addition, it is one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs for hypertension (high blood pressure). They do this by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) and slowing the heart rate, which lowers the heart’s need for oxygen. In addition to lowering blood pressure, beta blockers also help widen veins and arteries to improve blood flow.
Different Types of Beta Blockers
Beta blockers interfere with harmful effects of the Central Nervous System by blocking one or more of its receptors (alpha and beta receptors). There are different classifications and different indications of this medication but usually given to heart failure patients.
Acebutolol (sectral)
Aacebutolol is referred to as a “selective” beta-adrenergic receptor blocker.
Atenolol (tenormin)
Atenolol is used alone or in combination with other medications (such as hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases the burden on the heart and arteries. If it persists for a long time, it may cause these organs to malfunction.
Bisoprolol (zebeta)
High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the workload of the heart and arteries. If it persists for a long period, the heart and arteries may not function correctly. Bisoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension.
Carvedilol (coreg)
The brand-name version of carvedilol oral tablet is coreg. It is a beta blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevents heart disease and heart attacks. Other carvedilol dosage forms have various brand-name pharmaceutical counterparts, such as extended-release capsules.
Esmolol (brevibloc)
This medication, a beta blocker, slows down the heartbeat and lowers blood pressure, which increases the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart. For the control of ventricular heart rate, maintenance doses greater than 200 mcg per kg per min are not recommended. Patients should be closely monitored, particularly if pretreatment blood pressure was high.
Labetalol (normodyne, trandate)
Labetalol is a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent for oral and intravenous use in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Metoprolol (lopressor, toprol-xl)
Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) treats heart failure and heart attacks, lowers high blood pressure, manages chest discomfort, and must be taken with food. Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate) lowers blood pressure and regulates heart rate.
Propranolol (inderal)
Because propranolol (Inderal) is a non-selective beta blocker that relaxes blood vessels throughout the body, it can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and migraines. However, the most common indication of propranolol is hyperthyroidism.
Beta Blockers Applications
Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are drugs that lower blood pressure, they do this by preventing the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, from having its blood pressure-lowering effects. Doctors frequently prescribe beta-blockers for the following heart conditions:
Heart disease
Beta blockers reduce blood pressure by making the heart beat more slowly and forcefully, which blocks the effects of the hormone epinephrine, sometimes known as adrenaline. Beta blockers also help widen veins and arteries to enhance blood flow.
Blood pressure is high
Beta blockers reduce blood pressure by making the heart beat more slowly and forcefully, which blocks the effects of the hormone epinephrine, sometimes known as adrenaline. Beta blockers also help widen veins and arteries to enhance blood flow. While they are not the first-line drug for hypertension, they may be used as alternatives.
Angina
Guidelines advocate beta blockers as the first-line treatment in patients with angina, either on their own or in combination with a calcium channel blocker. They lower the oxygen demand of the heart and decrease the frequency of angina attacks.
Irregular heartbeats
Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you have an arrhythmia. While medications are used to control abnormal heart rhythms, ablation procedures can completely cure some types of arrhythmia. Once treated, whether through ablation or ongoing medications, the majority of patients with a heart rhythm issue can return to normal activity.
Glaucoma
Certain varieties of glaucoma are treated using beta-adrenergic blocking drugs for the eyes. These medications are only accessible with your doctor’s prescription, and they appear to operate by decreasing the formation of fluid in the eye.
Migraine attacks
Other types of beta blocker, such as nadolol, metoprolol, atenolol, timolol, and bisoprolol, have also been shown to be useful with migraines.
Anxiety
Beta blockers can offer some comfort for persons who feel situational or performance-related anxiety.
Adverse Side Effects of Beta Blocker Medication
Side effects of beta blockers include:
- Hypotension
- Feeling tired, lightheaded, and dizzy (these symptoms can indicate a slowed heart rate)
- Having cold hands or feet (beta blockers may affect the blood supply to your hands and feet)
- aving trouble falling asleep or having nightmares
- Feeling sick
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort
- Headache
- Breathing challenges
- Reduction in sexual desire or erectile dysfunction
- Depression
If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor. Also, beta blockers are contraindicated to COPD patients and those with peripheral vascular disease and congestive heart failure.
Key Takeaways
Beta blocker medication is a common prescription drug for lowering blood pressure, preventing heart attacks, and treating a variety of heart-related disorders. Beta-blockers are also given off-label for treating anxiety, migraines, and glaucoma.
Tell your doctor about any additional medications, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements you’re taking as they may impact how beta-blockers function.
Learn more about Heart Disease here.
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