Sage-Tips

Why are beta blockers contraindicated in hypertension?

Beta‐blockers may reduce the number of strokes, an effect which appears to be similar to that of diuretics. However, beta‐blockers may not be as good at preventing strokes as renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors or calcium‐channel blockers.

Why beta blockers are not cardioprotective in elderly patients with hypertension?

The reason for their inefficacy in the elderly may be related to their inherent unfavorable effect on systemic hemodynamics and pathophysiologic findings in the arterial tree, heart, kidneys, brain, and on the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates.

Why are most beta blockers contraindicated for asthma?

Asthma — In patients with asthma, beta blockers can cause increased bronchial obstruction and airway reactivity, as well as resistance to the effects of inhaled or oral beta receptor agonists (such as albuterol or terbutaline) [5-7].

Why are beta blockers contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus?

In insulin-dependent diabetics, beta-blockers can prolong, enhance, or alter the symptoms of hypoglycemia, while hyperglycemia appears to be the major risk in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. beta-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.

What are the dangers of beta blockers?

Beta-blockers can cause some side effects.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Unusual swelling of the feet and ankles.
• Wheezing, trouble breathing.
• Depression.
• Nightmares.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Decreased sexual ability.

Why are beta blockers less effective in elderly?

It is argued that the use of beta blockers in older adults may not be justified because of physiologic changes in people over 60 years of age. These include a low cardiac output, bradycardia, high total peripheral resistance, reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, and low plasma renin activity [18].

How does beta blocker work in hypertension?

Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure.

What Beta blockers are used for hypertension?

Beta-blockers include:

• Acebutolol (Sectral)
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Betaxolol (Kerlone)
• Bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac)
• Carteolol (Cartrol)
• Carvedilol (Coreg)
• Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)

Why do beta-blockers cause bronchoconstriction?

Therefore, non-selective beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bronchoconstriction occurs because sympathetic nerves innervating the bronchioles normally activate β2-adrenoceptors that promote bronchodilation.

Which beta-blockers should be avoided in asthma?

Our data support the additional recommendation that the use of the nonselective beta-blockers oral timolol and infusion of propranolol should be avoided. Furthermore, the cardioselective beta-blockers atenolol, bisoprolol, and celiprolol could be considered for use in patients with asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

Does metoprolol cause insulin resistance?

Metoprolol is a β1 receptor-selective antagonist widely used to prevent cardiovascular disease. Like non-selective beta blockers, metoprolol has been reported to increase fasting glucose concentrations and/or insulin concentrations and to decrease insulin sensitivity as measured by HOMA-IR.

Do beta-blockers cause insulin resistance?

Many groups have shown that conventional antihypertensive treatment, both with beta-blockers and/or diuretics, decreases insulin sensitivity by various mechanisms. While low-dose diuretics seem to be free of these metabolic effects, there is no evidence for this in the beta-adrenergic blockers.

What medications are considered beta blockers?

Acebutolol is a beta blocker medication that’s either used on its own or in combination with other medications–such as hydrochlorothiazide–to treat high blood pressure. Acebutolol is also effective in treating ventricular arrhythmia, a condition of abnormal heart rate due to premature contractions by the ventricles in the heart.

What is the safest beta blocker?

Beta blockers are generally safe to take. Side effects tend to be annoying, not life-threatening.

Should beta blockers remain first-line drugs for hypertension?

The authors of the meta-analysis concluded that all beta blockers are less effective than other antihypertensives and should not be used as first-line drugs in hypertension. However, the major differences observed between beta blockers and other antihypertensives are largely due to the influence of two trials. 2,3

Which is the best beta blocker?

Inositol is another supplement that may work as a natural beta blocker by calming the body and relieving anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, you need to take inositol in very high doses to benefit from them. The good news is that inositol is extremely safe even when taken in high doses.