According to the Mayo Clinic, "beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce your blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline." Beta blockers result in a slower heartbeat, thus reducing blood pressure. Examples of beta blockers inlcude acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, bisoprolol, Metoprolol, nadolol, Nebivolol and propranolol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Uses
While the beta blockers work by reducing blood pressure, the medication can be used in a variety of other disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heart disorders that beta blockers are used to treat include high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart failure, angina and heart attack. Other conditions include glaucoma, migraines, generalized anxiety disorder, hyperthyroidism and other tumors. For generalized anxiety disorder, beta blockers do not treat the anxiety directly. Instead, the beta blockers deal with the secondary symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, such as an increased heart rate. Beta blockers are prescribed by doctors when other medications are not effective.
Common Side Effects
Like other medications, beta blockers have side effects.Common side effects from beta blocker use is fatigue, cold hands, dizziness and weakness. These symptoms may be temporary, though the side effects may be alleviated by a change in dosage or type of beta blocker.
Less Common Side Effects
Less common and more serious side effects can occur as well, according to the Mayo Clinic. If these symptoms interfere with the patient's life, he should talk to his doctor before discontinuing use of the beta blocker. Patients may experience shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, loss of sex drive and depression. Patients with asthma who use beta blockers may experience asthma attacks triggered by the medication. Diabetes patients may find that the beta blockers block the signs of low blood sugar, which can be dangerous. Another effect that beta blockers have is an impact on cholesterol. According to the Mayo Clinic, beta blockers can increase the levels of triglycerides and decrease levels of high-density lipoproteins. However, the Mayo Clinic points out that the changes in cholesterol levels is temporary.
