What Are Beta Blockers?

Beta blockers are medications which are primarily used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and to prevent a second heart attack in an emergency situation after a first attack. The drug has been clinically proven to help with lowering a person's blood pressure, reducing the symptoms of an attack and even stopping it before it starts. There are many types of beta blockers, including:

• Beta blockers are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. These medications can be taken as tablets, syrup, or gel. Beta-blockers are prescribed by their attending physician for a specific period of time. The duration of these drugs is usually determined by the person's medical history, the patient's symptoms, the severity of the attack, their ability to tolerate the drug, and how long it takes for their body to recover from the attack.
• Beta-blockers are also used in the treatment of angina pectoris and heart palpitations, the consequences of which can cause heart palpitations. It is also widely used in the treatment of asthma and chest pain, as well as to reduce the symptoms of seizures and panic attacks. Beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed for people with asthma or other allergies and who have difficulty breathing.
• Cardiac arrest and heart disease are two other side effects of beta blockers. If a person takes these medications while experiencing any of these conditions, the medication may actually have the opposite effect, causing the condition to worsen. Some people report chest pain after taking these medicines and fainting. In some rare cases, beta-blockers are known to cause heart rhythm disturbances and heart failure.
• While the risks of these medicines and their side effects are great, there are some benefits that can be gained from using these medications. These medications can be used in conjunction with other medications to help reduce the negative side effects of those other medications. If used properly, beta blockers can be very effective when used as a primary form of treatment. However, many people choose to take beta-blockers in addition to other medications and other treatments in order to treat their heart conditions effectively.

Beta-blockers are not used alone as the primary form of treatment

A physician may prescribe other medications in combination with beta blockers in order to help patients overcome the side effects and complications of the medications. In fact, the use of beta blockers is recommended in more severe heart conditions than those with milder symptoms. As many as 40% of people who use beta-blockers also require the use of another form of therapy such as anticoagulants, or other types of anti-inflammatory medicine.

Beta-blockers and aspirin often make good choices because they are very effective in combating the symptoms of attacks in which they are prescribed. When taking these medications, patients should avoid alcohol and tobacco because they can also have side effects. Patients should also avoid taking certain foods such as onions, spicy foods and tomatoes as these foods can aggravate the symptoms of an attack and increase the chance that the attack will become worse. Patients should also avoid taking caffeine, as this is known to cause a heart attack. If possible, patients should not drive long distances for a period of time following any type of attack or other emergency because they can cause further damage to the heart.

Serious side effects can be caused by patients who fail to follow the recommended dosages of their medication. Patients should always check with their doctor before trying new medications. By following the directions on the package, patients can lower their risk of having an attack by helping their body recover.