L-arginine and Toprol share a common purpose to improve cardiovascular health. Each one accomplishes this goal in different ways. Both can improve blood pressure through different mechanisms. L-arginine differs in that it is widely available in a variety of foods, including eggs, meats and soy protein. It is also available over the counter and by prescription, whereas Toprol is only available with a doctor's prescription. Because of its effect on heart function, consult your doctor before taking L-arginine, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
What is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is an amino acid used by the body for a variety of functions, including wound healing, protein synthesis and cardiovascular health. You will find it sold as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form. L-arginine has several medical applications, including treatment of coronary heart disease. The Jewish Hospital in Ohio has promoted the use of L-arginine in the treatment of Buerger's disease, a rare disease of the blood vessels of the arms and legs.
What is Toprol?
Toprol is one of the brand names for a drug called metoprolol. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers and is used to lower blood pressure and to treat angina or chest pain. Beta blockers block a receptor on cells that responses to the release of epinephrine or adrenaline. Toprol prevents an increase in heart rate or blood pressure by preventing the fight-or-flight response caused by adrenaline.
Cardiovascular Benefits
L-arginine can improve heart health by enhancing the body's ability to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate and, thus, lower blood pressure. A 2010 study by Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Science in Poland lowered blood pressure significantly in participants after four weeks of L-arginine supplementation. These findings support a 1997 study by the Second University of Naples in Italy that found that L-arginine enhanced dilation of blood vessels and improved blood viscosity. Drugs.com cautions against using L-arginine if you are diabetic or are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Toprol Use
Most side effects of using Toprol have been minor, including dizziness and tiredness. It may also cause you to feel cold because of low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to your extremities. Consult your doctor before taking L-arginine and Toprol together. Their combined effects may lower your blood pressure to unsafe levels. Also avoid taking L-arginine if you have a history of migraines or genital herpes. Together, you and your doctor can decide the best course of treatment for your condition.
References
- Whole Health MD; L-Arginine; March 25, 2009
- Medline Plus; L-Arginine; April 22, 2011
- The Jewish Hospital; Oral L-Arginine Supplement and Nitric Oxide Generation; Jan. 28, 2005
- Mayo Clinic; Buerger's Disease; Sept. 15, 2010
- Drugs; Toprol-XL; May 4, 2011
- "Medical Science Monitor"; Evaluation of the Antihypertensive Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation in Patients with Mild Hypertension Assessed with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring; J. Ast, et al.; May 2010
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