Beta Blockers Inhibit the Action of Adrenaline
The American Heart Association states that beta blockers inhibit structures called beta-adrenergic nerve receptors. These receptors bind to adrenaline. When the medication blocks adrenaline from binding to the receptors, your cardiac muscles are not signaled to contract as frequently. In other words, the nerve impulses that travel to the heart are interrupted and slowed. This allows the heart muscle to rest and not work as hard as it has been.
Beta Blockers Reduce the Workload of the Heart
According to the Mayo Clinic, as adrenaline is inhibited the heart rate slows. In addition, the amount of blood the heart pushes out with each beat (cardiac output) is decreased. Beta blockers also lower the force or amount of contraction the heart has with each beat. All of these changes reduce the amount of oxygen the heart muscle needs. Combined, these changes mean that less blood is being pushed through the blood vessels and against the vessel walls.
Pressure Against the Blood Vessle Walls is Decreased
Beta blockers also help the blood vessels to relax and widen so blood can flow through them more easily. As this and all of the above changes take place, the pressure against the blood vessel walls is reduced. Less pressure against the blood vessel walls results in lower blood pressure.
Beat Blockers Are Selective
The right medication for your situation can be chosen. According to the Texas Heart Institute, "Some beta blockers are selective, which means that they block beta 1 receptors more than they block beta 2 receptors. Beta 1 receptors are responsible for heart rate and the strength of your heartbeat. Nonselective beta blockers block both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. Beta 2 receptors are responsible for the function of your smooth muscles (muscles that control body functions but that you do not have control over)." Your doctor will decide what type and the amount you need of one or both to help bring your blood pressure down.
