Beta Blockers for the Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Beta blockers (ß blockers or beta adrenergic blocking agents) are used for the treatment of a number of diseases including high blood pressure. See list of beta blockers.

How beta blockers work

There are two forms of regulation by nerves, voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary regulation is conscious control of parts of the body, such as using your arm to lift something. Involuntary (or autonomic) nerves regulate those body functions that are not usually under conscious control, such as the beating of the heart.

On the surface of many cells there are receptors that are called beta receptors. When epinephrine (adrenaline) produced by local nerves, binds to a type of beta receptor (ß1 adrenergic receptor) in the heart, the heart beats faster.

Beta blockers will block the beta receptor and so the heart is less responsive to epinephrine. This results in the heart beating more slowly and with less force. Since the heart is not pushing blood so strongly into the blood vessels, there is a decrease in blood pressure.

Use of beta blockers

Generally, beta blockers are not the first choice of drug if a patient has only high blood pressure, and no other problems such as having had a heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) or migraine. If these other problems are also present, then beta blockers may be prescribed since they will also help treat the coexisting problem.

Potential side effects of beta blockers

There are a number of potential side effects of beta blockers. The most common include depression, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, cold hands and feet, and dry mouth, skin and eyes.

Less common side effects include wheezing or trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, swollen hands and feet, male impotence, and disturbed sleep.

As with all drugs, there may be side effects when this class of drugs is taken in combination with certain other drugs. Make sure that your health care provider is aware of any, and all, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements and vitamins that are being taken.