1. Beta Blockers are Indicated for the Treatment of Many Cardiovascular Conditions
Beta adrenergic receptor blockers (known a beta blockers) are used in a variety of cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. They are considered one of the first line medical therapy choices for the treatment of hypertension and are also recommended for the treatment of complicated hypertension (left ventricular hypertrophy, in particular). Patients with supraventricular tachycardia take beta blockers to reduce the heart rate. The beta adrenergic receptors are present in almost every part of the body and help to mediate cellular level responses to adrenalin. By blocking these receptors, the heart rate can be reduced and the effective relaxation period of the heart increased. The lungs can be adversely affected as stimulated beta receptors mediate increased diameter of the airways but when blocked cause airway constriction.
2. Beta Blockers Reduce Angina in Patients with CAD
Angina (chest pain) is caused by inadequate blood supply to the muscle of the heart. When a blockage in a coronary artery is greater than 75 percent, patients experience chest pain with exertion. When above 90 percent, there are symptoms at rest. Beta blockers reduce the pain from angina by reducing the heart rate, increasing the effective relaxation period of the heart. This improves symptoms because the blood supply of the heart is delivered during the relaxation phase of the contractile process. In patients with CAD, beta blockers are the corner stone of medical treatment.
3. Beta Blockers Reduce the Risk of Death After Myocardial Infarction
After a heart attack, patients are at high risk of death due to serious ventricular arrhythmias (VT or VF). The damaged muscle has areas that are prone to electrical instability after a heart attack. Beta blockers are proven to reduce the risk of ventricular arrhythmias after a heart attack because they help stabilize the damaged areas.
4. Beat Blockers Reduce the Risk of Death From CHF
Patients with poor heart function after a heart attack or viral illness benefit greatly from treatment with beat blockers. When the heart function is reduced below 35 percent, there is a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. Beta blockers reduce the chance of these rhythms. In cases where the heart function is temporarily low after a cardiac event, beta blockers help to improve the heart function and improve the long term prognosis.
5. SIde Effects From Beta Blockers Can be Significant
Some of the side effects of beta blockers can be very problematic for patients. The most common side effects are fatigue and lethargy. In asthmatic patients, there can be major worsening of symptoms with non-selective beta blockers (metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol). Other major side effects can be a reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure that can cause dizziness and and lightheadedness. When initiating therapy in patients with CHF, patients may retain fluid and can have a worsening CHF. It is important to use diuretics in these patients when starting therapy to reduce this potential side effect.
