High blood pressure can put extra strain on the heart and increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis. If you have high blood pressure, you can take several different medications, including a class of medications known as beta blockers. Beta blockers, however, can increase the levels of a type of lipid known as triglycerides.
Beta Blocker Mechanism
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed to help people with hypertension lower their blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking the cardiac effects of epinephrine, which is sometimes known as adrenaline. Adrenaline makes the heart pump harder and faster; consequently, beta blockers slow the heart rate and make the heart beat with less force, which helps lower blood pressure in the body. Beta blockers also help expand blood vessels, which can further aid in treating hypertension.
High Triglycerides
One thing of particular concern for people who have high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease is their triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of lipid that the body uses to store excess calories because triglycerides can be rapidly converted into energy. People with high triglyceride levels have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. This is especially problematic if you have high blood pressure, as that also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Beta Blockers and Triglycerides
Although beta blockers are effective at lowering blood pressure levels for most patients, they do have some side effects, which may make them inappropriate for some patients. For example, a 2006 article in the "Journal of Clinical Hypertension" notes that beta blockers can increase triglycerides in a dose-dependent fashion, which means that the higher the dose of beta blockers that you take, the more your triglyceride levels can rise.
Considerations
Although beta blockers can raise your triglycerides, they may be appropriate for some people with high blood pressure. For example, if your triglyceride levels stay at an acceptable level after taking beta blockers, you may be able to continue taking this medication. Beta blockers may also be prescribed if other anti-hypertensive medications, such as diuretics, have not been effective. Finally, newer formulations of beta blockers have been designed to help reduce their ability to increase triglycerides and other side effects.
