Blood pressure-lowering drugs called beta blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are also known as. The way that they function is by obstructing the actions of the hormone epinephrine, sometimes referred to as adrenaline.
They reduce blood pressure by causing the heart to beat more gradually and gently. They also aid in artery and vein dilation to enhance blood flow.
Types Of Beta Blockers
While some just have an impact on the heart, others have an impact on the heart and blood arteries. The optimum beta blocker for you will be determined by your doctor depending on your medical circumstances.
A few instances of beta-blocking drugs used orally include:
- Acebutolol
- Tenormin, or atenolol
- Zebeta (bisoprolol)
- Metoprolol (Toprol XL, Lopressor)
- Aspirin (Corgard)
- Bystolic nebivolol
- Inderal, InnoPran XL, propranolol
When To Take Beta Blockers
When a patient just has elevated blood pressure, beta blockers are not advised as a first line of therapy. For high blood pressure, they are often only administered after other drugs, such diuretics, have failed to control the condition. A beta blocker may also be recommended by a doctor as one of many drugs to control blood pressure.
Beta-blocking drugs may not be as successful in treating high blood pressure in older adults and persons of colour, particularly when used alone.
In order to prevent, treat, or ameliorate symptoms in those with:
- Heart rhythm abnormality (arrhythmia)
- Heart attack
- Angina (chest discomfort)
- Cardiac arrests
- Migraine
- A few different tremors
Beta blockers may be recommended by your doctor in addition to other drugs.
Side Effects
The following are some typical adverse effects of beta blockers:
- Chilly fingers or feet
- Fatigue
- Gaining weight
Among the less frequent side effects are:
- Depression
- Breathing difficulty
- Difficulty sleeping
Because of worries that the medicine may precipitate severe asthma episodes, beta blockers are often avoided by patients with asthma.
Beta-blocking drugs may prevent symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics, such as a fast pulse. If you have diabetes and are using a beta blocker, it’s crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels periodically.
They may have an impact on triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well. They may result in a minor increase in blood triglycerides, a form of fat, and a slight decrease in HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. These alterations are often transient.
Beta blockers should not be suddenly stopped since doing so might raise your chance of a heart attack or other cardiac condition.