Metoprolol is a prescription beta blocker medication used to reduce blood pressure and for other conditions that benefit from improved blood flow. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. Metoprolol may increase your triglyceride levels, particularly if you have certain physical characteristics that make people more prone to high triglycerides.
Uses
Metoprolol is useful not only for lowering blood pressure but for preventing episodes of angina, treating congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeat, and improving chances of survival after a heart attack. Doctors also prescribe metoprolol for preventing migraine headaches, for treating hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal, and for relieving symptoms of movement disorders caused by certain medications for mental illness.
Triglyceride Increases
While increases in triglycerides did not occur during pre-approval clinical studies with metoprolol, this side effect has been reported since the drug became available to the public, according to Drugs.com. Increases in very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a type of so-called bad cholesterol, have also been reported, as well as decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the good cholesterol. The frequency of these side effects is not known. All of these effects may increase the risk of heart disease.
Considerations
Metoprolol is an older beta blocker and doctors generally prefer to prescribe other medications except in certain circumstances, explains MayoClinic.com. Your doctor might prescribe metoprolol if you were unable to achieve good blood pressure control with other drugs, for instance. Older beta blockers such as metoprolol also are particularly effective for preventing recurrent coronary artery disease and for treating irregular heartbeat and congestive heart failure.
Risk Factors
You are more susceptible to increased triglyceride levels when taking metoprolol if you have a group of conditions known as metabolic syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels and excess weight around your abdomen. MayoClinic.com suggests consulting your doctor about diet and exercise methods that can keep triglycerides in a healthy range.
