Beta blockers, also called beta adrenergic blocking agents, block the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in certain parts of the body. This results in
a slowing of the heart rate
and reduces the force at which blood is pumped around your body.
What are the dangers of beta-blockers?
- feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded (these can be signs of a slow heart rate)
- cold fingers or toes (beta blockers may affect the blood supply to your hands and feet)
- difficulties sleeping or nightmares.
- feeling sick.
Who should not use beta blockers?
Beta-blockers should not be used to treat hypertension in patients
older than age 60
unless they have another compelling indication to use these agents, such as heart failure or ischemic heart disease.
Why you shouldn't take beta-blockers?
Beta-blockers can
cause lung muscle spasms that make it difficult to breathe
. This is more common in people who have lung conditions. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Beta-blockers can trigger high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Which condition should beta-blockers be avoided?
You shouldn't take beta-blockers if you have
low blood pressure
or a slow pulse, because bringing down your heart rate more can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
Can you eat bananas with beta blockers?
People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas),
unless directed to do so by their doctor
.
What is safest beta blocker?
A number of beta blockers, including atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), were designed to block only beta-1 receptors in heart cells. Since they don't affect beta-2 receptors in blood vessels and the lungs,
cardioselective beta blockers
are safer for people with lung disorders.
Do beta blockers shorten your life?
A large study published last month in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that
beta blockers did not prolong the lives of patients
– a revelation that must have left many cardiologists shaking their heads (JAMA, vol 308, p 1340).
How long can you stay on beta blockers?
Guidelines recommend beta blocker therapy for
three years
, but that may not be necessary. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline. Taking beta blockers reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.
What happens when you come off beta blockers?
While stopping any beta-blocker may cause a mild response, abruptly stopping propranolol may
lead to a withdrawal syndrome
. Beta-blocker withdrawal can result in a rise in blood pressure, and in patients with heart disease, chest pain, heart attack, and even sudden death.
Is there an alternative to beta-blockers?
The selective inhibitor,
ivabradine
, provides an alternative way of heart rate reduction in addition to beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. This could become particularly useful in patients who are intolerant of beta-blockers, for example, in the presence of asthma or severe chronic obstructive airway disease.
What are the long term side effects of beta-blockers?
- Rash.
- Blurred vision.
- Disorientation.
- Insomnia.
- Hair loss.
- Weakness.
- Muscle cramps.
- Fatigue.
Why do athletes use beta-blockers?
While beta-blockers have long been known as effective treatments for heart failure, many conservatory students and professional classical musicians use these drugs to
relieve performance anxiety induced by their highly competitive
and “no-room-for-error” line of work.
Is it better to take beta-blockers at night?
Blood pressure medications/beta blockers: If you're taking these medications, talk to your health care provider about the ideal time of day to take them, though as a general rule of thumb,
evening is best
. “Providers may specify to take these in the evening because of side effects that can occur,” Verduzco said.
Can I exercise on beta-blockers?
Since beta blockers slow the heart rate to deceptively low levels, it's
important to avoid overexertion while exercising
.
Do beta-blockers help you sleep?
A clinical study conducted with patients taking beta-blockers showed
significant improvement in people's quality of sleep
when they continually took a 2.5mg melatonin supplement one hour prior to going to sleep.
