It's Topic Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today, we’ll be talking about beta blockers, a class of medications that has many different uses, especially in the management of heart health.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318217

What are Beta Blockers?

“Beta blockers” do exactly what they say- they block the “beta” receptors in our bodies. Our sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our “fight or flight” response, functions through a series of interactions between chemicals and receptors of those chemicals. Beta receptors are one class of receptors that are part of this complex system. The chemicals that bind to these receptors include epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and norepinephrine, which our body naturally produces. The beta receptors are responsible for increasing our heart rate, making our hearts pump harder, and much more.

Beta blockers counteract the action of these receptors, which helps slow our heart rate and decrease the pumping force. We often use these medications to reduce blood pressure and decrease the oxygen requirements of the heart by decreasing its workload.

Beta Blockers and Aortic Disease

Because beta blockers reduce blood pressure, they are often used in patients with aortic dissection to prevent the dissection from extending further. In patients with aortic aneurysms, beta blockers may be prescribed to keep the blood pressure at a safer level and prevent aneurysm enlargement, dissection or rupture.

Beta Blockers and Coronary Artery Disease

In patients with coronary artery disease, beta blockers are often used to decrease the amount of energy the heart uses. Because coronary artery disease limits the amount of blood (and therefore oxygen) reaching the heart muscle, beta blockers help correct the mismatch between the heart’s energy supply and demand, which prevents some symptoms.

Beta Blockers and Heart Failure

Beta blockers play a crucial role in the management of chronic heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Often times, the heart becomes victim to a vicious cycle of remodeling that further worsens its function. Studies have shown that in these patients, beta blockers are “cardioprotective”: they improve survival rates, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance quality of life.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109797001046?via%3Dihub

Potential Side Effects

Like any medication, beta blockers may have some side effects. These include lightheadedness (especially when sitting up or standing), fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain, and mood changes. Many of these side effects are due to the decreased blood pressure itself. However, beta blockers are generally very safe and are prescribed very often.

When are Beta Blockers not used?

For patients with asthma, some beta blockers may worsen episodes of wheezing. They may also mask symptoms of low blood sugar in patients with diabetes, which can be dangerous. In patients with acute heart failure, beta blockers can actually worsen the function of the heart and cause shock. Because of these reasons, doctors may decide to not prescribe beta blockers in certain patients.

Important Considerations when Taking Beta Blockers

Consistently taking beta blockers as prescribed is crucial. Skipping doses or quickly stopping them can cause the opposite effect, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. It is also important to have regular check-ups with your doctor so that they can make sure your heart rate and blood pressure are within the right range.

And yes, it is safe to work out on beta blockers! Just ask your doctor if there are any special considerations or modifications you should make before beginning any new exercise routines. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management are all important!

That’s it for today’s Topic Tuesday, stay tuned for next week!

-Purab