Learn about beta blockers (beta blockers) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Minh Son - Interventional Cardiologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Beta blockers are commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. It is necessary to learn clearly about the instructions for use, dosage and things to note when using the drug to achieve maximum effectiveness.

1. What is a beta blocker?

Beta blockers are also known as beta blockers. This is a group of drugs that act on beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. Some commonly used beta blockers include:
Acebutolol (Sectral); Carvedilol (Dilatrend); Bisoprolol (Concor); Penbutolol sulfate (Levatol); Nebivolol (Bystolic); Pindolol (Visken); Propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL); Solotol hydrochloride (Betapace); Metoprolol succinate (Betaloc Zok); Timolol maleate (Blocadren) Atenolol (Tenormin); Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor);

Trắc nghiệm: Bạn có hiểu đúng về huyết áp cao không?

Huyết áp cao còn được gọi là kẻ giết người thầm lặng vì bệnh thường không có triệu chứng. Thiếu hụt kiến thức về huyết áp cao có thể làm cho tình trạng bệnh trở nên trầm trọng hơn. Dưới đây là những câu hỏi trắc nghiệm vui giúp bạn hiểu đúng về bệnh cao huyết áp.

2. What are the uses of beta blockers?

Thuốc chẹn beta được sử dụng trong điều trị bệnh cao huyết áp

Beta-blockers are often used in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases such as:
High blood pressure Angina pectoris Heart arrhythmia Heart attack Heart failure Some other diseases such as: Glaucoma, hyperthyroidism , migraine, Migraine headache ... Beta-blockers can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. In many cases, beta blockers are only effective when used in combination with other high blood pressure medications.

3. Mechanism of action of beta-blockers

Beta-blockers inhibit the action of the neurotransmitters adrenaline and noradrenaline. Thereby preventing these substances from attaching to beta 1 and beta 2 receptors of sympathetic neurons, helping to slow heart rate, dilate blood vessels...
In which:
Beta1 receptors are present in the eyes , heart, kidney... Beta2 receptors are found in the lungs, digestive system, blood vessels, uterus, skeletal muscles... Beta-blockers will have an effect on the respective receptors depending on the site of action. For example:
The drug propanolol can act on both beta1 and beta2 receptors, so it is used in the treatment of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, bronchi... Metoprolol at normal doses mainly acts on Beta1 receptors should only affect the heart, eyes, and kidneys. Nadolol only acts on beta2 receptors, so it is used to treat diseases of the blood vessels, digestive system... and not in cases of cardiovascular disease.

4. Side effects of beta blockers

Mệt mỏi là tác dụng phụ có thể gặp ở người điều trị thuốc nhóm beta blocker

Like many other drugs, in addition to the therapeutic effect, beta blockers also have certain side effects such as:
Fatigue, cold limbs, Weight gain In a few rarer cases, patients will have: Side effects such as:
Insomnia Slow heart rate Cough Shortness of breath Chest pain Wheezing Patients with asthma taking beta-blockers may experience asthma attacks. And is contraindicated for patients with predisposition to bronchial asthma
Patients using beta blockers for a long time may experience some symptoms such as:
Sleep disturbances Tinnitus Dizziness, flowers Eyes Low blood pressure Cold hands and feet Impotence Depression

5. Notes when using beta blockers

Beta blockers will mask the warning signs of low blood sugar. Therefore, patients taking beta-blockers should have their blood sugar checked regularly. Especially diabetic patients Do not stop the drug suddenly, but reduce the dose gradually. Otherwise, the medication will backfire, increasing blood pressure and making symptoms worse. Beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm, so people with asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should not use them. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use. Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, people with bradycardia should not use. Consult your doctor about the side effects of the drug before use. Patients are not allowed to buy beta-blockers on their own, but must have a prescription from a doctor. Grapefruit juice may interfere with the mechanism of action of beta-blockers. During the use of the drug should abstain from grapefruit juice, grapefruit. See your doctor right away if you have severe symptoms or side effects while taking this medicine. Master - Doctor Nguyen Minh Son has many years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases; especially strong in transthoracic echocardiography in the field of internal medicine and interventional cardiology. Perform other non-invasive functional investigations in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Currently working as a treating doctor at Cardiology Center, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital since February 2019.

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