Examples

How It Works

Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart by slowing the heart rate. A more rapid heart rate caused by exertion and excitement increases the workload on the heart.

Why It Is Used

Beta-blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. This in turn can help relieve or prevent chest pain (angina). Beta-blockers are often used with other medications to treat a heart attack in progress.

Beta-blockers are also taken after a heart attack for a long time-maybe for the rest of your life-to lower the risk of sudden death.

How Well It Works

Beta-blockers can reduce the severity and frequency of angina. If you are at an increased risk for a heart attack and sudden death, beta-blockers can reduce this risk; you are less likely to have another heart attack if you are taking a beta-blocker. ¹

Beta-blockers are the first medications considered for use in people who have coronary artery disease and stable angina. ¹ They also may help control unstable angina symptoms in some people.

Side Effects

Side effects of beta-blockers may include:

• Fatigue.
• Erection problems (impotence).
• Decreased blood flow to the extremities, causing them to feel cold; increased leg pain brought on by exertion (intermittent claudication).
• In people who have diabetes, beta-blockers can cover up warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as change in pulse rate, and increase the risk of low blood sugar episodes.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Beta-blockers may worsen other medical conditions, such as asthma, heart failure, diabetes, and certain heart arrhythmias. You may have to stop taking beta-blockers if side effects develop and persist.

Because beta-blockers can make you feel tired, they may add to feelings of depression.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Snow V, et al. (2004). Primary care management of chronic stable angina and asymptomatic suspected or known coronary artery disease: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 141(7): 562–567. Also available online: http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/141/7/562.pdf.