What are beta blockers? Indications and Notes

This is an automatically translated article.

Beta blockers are one of a group of vasodilators, which are used to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Depending on the mechanism of action of each subgroup, the doctor will combine drugs appropriately to prescribe for the patient.

1. What are beta blockers?

Beta-blockers are vasodilators used to treat cardiovascular disease, helping to reduce mortality and improve patients' quality of life. This is a group of prescription drugs, so the doctor will prescribe the drug in accordance with the health condition of each patient.
Beta-blockers act by blocking sympathomimetic receptors and inhibiting the sympathetic effects in cardiac muscle cells and in tracheal muscles. Depending on the site of action on which receptor, these drugs will have a corresponding effect.

Thuốc tim mạch — Thuốc chẹn beta điều trị bệnh tim mạch

2. Indications for taking beta-blockers

Beta blockers are drugs used to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases because they are one of a group of vasodilators. However, depending on the mechanism of action of each subtype, the doctor will combine drugs appropriately to prescribe for the patient. In addition, the drug is also used to treat, prevent or control a number of medical conditions, including:
Migraine Glaucoma Hyperthyroidism Anxiety... Beta-blockers are not used. Used in some of the following cases:
Beta-blockers have bronchospasm effects, so they should not be used for people with bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (do not use bronchodilators). non-selective beta and beta-1-selective beta-blockers); Peripheral vascular damage; Atrioventricular block - 2nd and 3rd degree ventricles; decompensated congestive heart failure; Heart rate less than 50 beats/minute; Raynaud's syndrome Liver failure (hyperbilirubinemia, severe ascites), hepatic encephalopathy; Risk of severe arrhythmias; monoamine oxidase inhibitors (iMAO class); Pregnant and lactating women

3. Note when taking beta blockers

When taking beta blockers, some people may experience side effects such as weight gain, cold hands and feet, insomnia, slow heart rate, dry cough. Grapefruit juice should not be used because it affects the mechanism of action of beta blockers; Beta blockers often make you sensitive to sunlight and cold weather. Beta-blockers should not be stopped abruptly, but should be reduced gradually, as this may increase blood pressure or worsen arrhythmia symptoms. When beta-blockers are combined with antihypertensives, angina pectoris or antidepressants, caution should be exercised because of the potential for drug interactions. People with diabetes when using beta blockers should be careful because it can mask symptoms, so blood sugar should be checked regularly. Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, so they should not be used by people with bradycardia. This is a prescription drug group, so patients are not allowed to use it on their own but must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

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