Beta blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, are used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias and chest pain or angina. The Heart and Stroke Foundation mentions that this type of medication is sometimes prescribed to prevent further heart attacks in patients with heart disease. Beta blockers work by blocking the response from the beta nerve receptors, which slow the heart rate and relax blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure. However, as the Mayo Clinic underlines, beta blockers can cause metabolic effects on the body, and for this reason, they are not are recommended for all patients.
Lipid Effects
Some beta blockers such as atenolol and propranolol can cause metabolic effects on the body that slightly increases the levels of triglyceride lipids while decreasing high-density lipoprotein, HDL, or 'good' cholesterol. This is more common in individuals that have other conditions such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, excess abdominal weight and other disorders as explained by the Texas Heart Institute. Newer beta blockers are less likely to cause changes in the lipid levels in the body.
Metabolism Effects
Dr. Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D, a specialist at the Mayo Clinic explains that some beta blockers an cause unwanted effects on the metabolism of some patients. This can cause weight gain due to a decreased metabolic rate or fluid retention in the body. Dr. Shep advises that patients who experience weight gain after taking beta blocker drugs should inform their physicians immediately, particularly if the weight gain continues after the first week of taking the medication.
Glucose Effects
Beta blockers are not recommended for patients with diabetes because they effect glucose levels in the body. According to Dr. Gabe Mirkin M.D., beta blockers such as propranolol and atenolol can decrease the body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that is responsible for carrying glucose from the blood to the cells of the body. This causes high blood glucose as well as high insulin levels that actually increase the risk for heart attacks, diabetes and weight gain. Newer beta blocker medications such as dilevalol and celiprolol have been developed that do not raise insulin and glucose levels.
