Beta Blockers

What are beta blockers?

Beta blockers are a class of medicines that can slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. Examples of beta blockers are bisoprolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol. Which one is best for you depends on your condition and health.

When are beta blockers used?

Beta blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, reduce your risk of coronary artery disease, and correct abnormal heart rhythms. They have few serious side effects and may be used alone or combined with other medicines.

Beta blockers are used to treat angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. If your coronary arteries are blocked, you cannot get enough blood to your heart muscle. Beta blockers slow the heart rate and slightly decrease the strength of heart muscle contraction (squeezing). These effects reduce the amount of oxygen your heart needs and reduce or prevent angina. If you have had a heart attack, beta blockers may lower your risk of having another heart attack.

Beta blockers are used to correct abnormal heart rhythms. Symptoms may range from an occasional irregular heartbeat to spells of a very fast heart rate. Beta blockers can make your heart rhythm regular and prevent the uncomfortable symptoms caused by an irregular or fast heart rate.

If you have heart failure caused by a weakened heart muscle, you may benefit from treatment with beta blockers. Your healthcare provider will start at a very low dose and gradually increase the dose over a few weeks as your heart adjusts to the medicine.

Beta blockers may also help prevent migraine headaches, treat glaucoma, or treat certain types of tremors.

There are many different types of beta blockers. Each one is used by the body in a slightly different way. Because of the differences, your healthcare provider will decide which type and dosage of beta blocker are right for you.

This medicine is usually started at a low dose and increased slowly over time. It may take a few months for your body to adjust to this medicine and get the full effect. After your body adjusts, you will feel better and you may have a lower risk of a heart attack or other heart problems or sudden death. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Some conditions can become worse if you suddenly stop taking this medicine.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta blockers block the effects of the stress hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine makes the heart beat faster. By blocking epinephrine, beta blockers help the heart beat more slowly and with slightly less force, so that the heart does not have to work as hard. Some beta blockers also relax and open up blood vessels, which improves blood flow through the blood vessels.

What should I watch out for while taking this medicine?

Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly while you are taking this medicine.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Most of the side effects of this medicine are minor, but people with some conditions need to use beta blockers with caution. For example:

• If you have chronic lung disease or asthma, you may have more lung problems when taking some beta blockers.
• If you are a diabetic, your blood sugar levels and response to insulin may change.
• If you have a blood vessel condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, your Raynaud's symptoms may get worse.
• Heart disease and angina may get worse if you stop taking beta blockers suddenly.
• Sometimes beta blockers may make heart failure worse. On the other hand, some people with heart failure feel much better with the medicine.

Other possible side effects are:

• You may have cold hands or feet while taking this medicine.
• Some people complain of a loss of sexual desire.
• Beta blockers sometimes cause tiredness, depression, and nightmares.
• Sometimes beta blockers cause the heart to beat too slowly.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Report these side effects to your provider right away:

• swelling in your legs or ankles
• cold hands and feet
• trouble breathing or wheezing
• severe tiredness
• dizziness or fainting spells
• frequent nightmares.