These potent drugs can help treat an array of heart problems - but they’re not suitable for everyone 

Key takeaways: 

• Beta-blockers are a form of prescription medication that slows down the heart rate.
• Beta-blockers are used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as stroke, angina, and heart failure.
• Beta-blockers may be used less frequently to manage other conditions such as migraines, severe anxiety, and hyperactive thyroid.
• You should never stop taking beta-blockers without first consulting a physician. 

Cardiovascular diseases affect nearly half of all American adults and remain the leading cause of death in the United States. While lifestyle changes can help mitigate – and even reverse – some cardiovascular conditions, others require more drastic treatment. And that’s where beta-blockers come in.

What are beta-blockers and who can take them? 

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta-blockers for short, are a type of medication typically prescribed to reduce blood pressure. This drug blocks the effects of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, which prompts the heart to beat more slowly and gently. Beta-blockers can also help widen blood vessels, such as veins and arteries, to increase blood flow.

So, who can take beta-blockers? It’s actually easier to look at who can’t take this medication. In general, beta-blockers are not prescribed to patients with:

• Low blood pressure 
• Lung disease or asthma 
• Metabolic acidosis
• Uncontrollable heart failure 
• Allergic reactions to medication 

When are beta-blockers prescribed?

Beta-blockers are used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, stroke, angina, and heart failure. More specifically, beta-blockers are prescribed to treat and prevent:

• Angina 
• Strokes 
• Congestive heart failure 
• Coronary heart disease 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Rapid heartbeat 

Although beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), they aren’t the first choice for treating this condition. In this case, doctors typically choose to prescribe beta-blockers only after other forms of medication, such as diuretics, haven’t worked. 

In rare cases, beta-blockers may also be prescribed to help with: 

• Anxiety 
• Tremors
• Hyperthyroidism
• Glaucoma (prescribed in the form of eyedrops)

Types of beta-blockers 

Overall, there are three different types of beta-blockers. Some target the heart, whereas others target the blood vessels and other parts of the body. 

• Beta-1 (B1) receptors: primarily affect the heart and help regulate cardiac activity.
• Beta-2 (B2) receptors: affect various organs and help smooth muscle relaxation as well as metabolic activity. 
• Beta-3 (B3) receptors: help break down fatty cells.

Your doctor will determine which of these types of beta-blockers to prescribe based on your specific condition. 

Beta-blocker brands 

Beta-blockers are typically prescribed in tablet form and ingested via the mouth. Common brands include:

• Acebutolol
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
• Carvedilol
• Labetalol
• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) 
• Nadolol (Corgard)
• Nebivolol (Bystolic)
• Propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL)
• Sotalol

Side effects

As with any form of prescription medication, beta-blockers can have a wide range of side effects. While most people report only mild symptoms or no adverse effects, some patients experience:

• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Confusion 
• Constipation 
• Weight gain 
• Memory loss 
• Cold feet and hands 
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)

Less common side effects include:

• Depression
• Swollen ankles or legs 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing and tightening of your chest

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms while taking beta-blockers, make sure to contact your doctor right away. They may want to adjust your dosage or change your prescription to something that won’t affect you so strongly.

Cautions to remember

Beta-blockers are an effective treatment for a wide range of heart conditions, including high blood pressure and angina. However, the mismanagement of beta-blockers can be potentially life-threatening. Therefore, you need to be aware of the following cautions.

Patients with asthma should refrain from taking beta-blockers as they can trigger more severe attacks. Patients with diabetes should also proceed with caution, as beta-blockers may inhibit signs of low blood sugar such as a fast heart rate.

It’s also important to remember that you should never stop taking beta-blockers abruptly. An unanticipated stop in consumption could increase your risk of cardiac arrest, trigger heart palpitations, and even cause sudden death.

The final caution about beta-blockers is, unfortunately, the cost. But there are resources that can help.

How to save on beta-blockers 

As the cost of prescription medication continues to rise, trying to balance a serious medical condition alongside your finances becomes ever more stressful. But you can’t put a price on heart health. That’s why ModRN Health is dedicated to helping customers make significant cost savings on prescription medication.

Our easy-to-use free price comparison tool can help you find the best deals on prescription medicine in your area, saving you up to 90% on your prescription purchases. To get started, simply sign up, compare prices, download a voucher, and hand it to your local pharmacist. You can also set up SMS or email prescription reminders through our website and earn rewards whenever you refer a friend or family member to our services.

So what are you waiting for? Start saving on your prescriptions by creating a free ModRN Health account today!