High Blood Pressure and Beta-Blockers
High Blood Pressure and Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are drugs used to treat high blood pressure. They block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart. This reduces the work of the heart so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Beta-blockers help control heart rate and are also used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms that may too fast or irregular.
There are several beta-blockers available, including:
Renal Artery Stenosis
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of arteries that carry blood to one or both of the kidneys. Most often seen in older people with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), renal artery stenosis can worsen over time and often leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney damage. The body senses less blood reaching the kidneys and misinterprets that as the body having low blood pressure. This signals the release of hormones from the kidney that lead to an increase in blood pressure...
Read the Renal Artery Stenosis article > >
Potential side effects of beta-blockers include:
Before taking a beta-blocker tell your doctor:
These drugs should always be taken consistently with meals to avoid fluctuations in their level and effect. Follow the label directions on how often to take this medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on your condition.
While taking a beta-blocker, your doctor will tell you how rapid your pulse should be and may instruct you to record your pulse daily. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor about taking your beta-blocker that day.
Be sure to see your doctor on a regular basis to assess your condition. Your doctor will determine if the medicine is working and if there are any intolerable side effects. If necessary, your doctor may change the dosage. Don't stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor. Also, don't take any other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, before talking to your doctor about the potential for adverse reactions (see below).
If you are having surgery of any kind (including dental procedures), tell your doctor you are taking a beta-blocker (as well as any other drugs you are taking).
There are several beta-blockers available, including:
Recommended Related to Hypertension
Renal Artery Stenosis
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of arteries that carry blood to one or both of the kidneys. Most often seen in older people with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), renal artery stenosis can worsen over time and often leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney damage. The body senses less blood reaching the kidneys and misinterprets that as the body having low blood pressure. This signals the release of hormones from the kidney that lead to an increase in blood pressure...
Read the Renal Artery Stenosis article > >
- Sectral (acebutolol)
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Kerlone (betaxolol)
- Zebeta, Ziac (bisoprolol)
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol)
- Lopressor, Toprol-XL (metoprolol)
- Corgard (nadolol)
- Nebivolol (bystolic)
- Levatol (penbutolol)
- Visken (pindolol)
- Inderal, Inderal LA (propanolol)
- Blocadren (timolol)
Side Effects of Beta-Blockers
Potential side effects of beta-blockers include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Problems with sexual performance and ability
- Sleeping problems and drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow heartbeat
- Edema (swelling in ankles, feet, or legs)
- Trouble breathing, especially asthma symptoms
- Depression
How Should I Take Beta-Blockers?
Before taking a beta-blocker tell your doctor:
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- About any medical conditions you have; some medical conditions might interfere with the action of the beta-blocker, or may worsen with a beta-blocker. Some beta-blockers should not be used if you have bad asthma or emphysema, extremely low blood pressure (hypotension), heart block, or slow pulse (bradycardia).
These drugs should always be taken consistently with meals to avoid fluctuations in their level and effect. Follow the label directions on how often to take this medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on your condition.
While taking a beta-blocker, your doctor will tell you how rapid your pulse should be and may instruct you to record your pulse daily. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor about taking your beta-blocker that day.
Be sure to see your doctor on a regular basis to assess your condition. Your doctor will determine if the medicine is working and if there are any intolerable side effects. If necessary, your doctor may change the dosage. Don't stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor. Also, don't take any other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, before talking to your doctor about the potential for adverse reactions (see below).
If you are having surgery of any kind (including dental procedures), tell your doctor you are taking a beta-blocker (as well as any other drugs you are taking).