Beta Blocker Uses

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common medical conditions that affects a large number of people every year, across the world. When a person is diagnosed with this cardiovascular condition, it means that his heart is pumping blood more than required, and his arteries are narrower than normal. And in such situations, probability of major heart diseases occurring is high. Now, as serious this condition can turn out to be, fortunately, once it is diagnosed it can be controlled easily. There are a variety of treatment options available for it, and beta blockers are an important part of it. However, there are other conditions which are also treated with the same drug. Let us learn more about it, from the following.

What are Beta Blockers Used for?

The use of beta blockers helps the heart to shed its workload, and opens the blood vessels. Consequently, the heart starts beating slower, with less force and being less worked out. These drugs are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, and when ingested, they work to hamper the effects of adrenaline thus, slowing down the racing heart. Apart from taking care of hypertension, these drugs are also approved to be used in the treatment of:

• Angina: is a certain condition that causes the blood flow to the heart muscle to slow down resulting in chest pain or discomfort.
• Heart failure: as the name suggests, here, the person's heart loses its ability to pump enough blood that is required for survival. It is also known as congestive heart failure (CHF).
• Heart Attack: a part of the heart muscle is supplied with blood with the help of a blood vessel known as coronary artery. Now due to some reasons, a blood clot is formed which clogs this very blood vessel thus, destroying that particular part of the heart muscle causing a heart attack.
• Arrhythmia: also known as irregular heartbeat, this condition may cause stroke and heart failure. So another common application of beta blockers is the treatment of arrhythmia.
• Glaucoma: it is an umbrella term for a variety of eye disorders wherein the optic nerves get damaged, resulting in blindness. Beta blockers are used in this case so as to reduce the production of aqueous humor.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: is a chronic case of anxiety that is so severe that it starts interfering with day-to-day activities. In this case, beta blockers are used to block the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline thus, improving the symptoms.
• Migraines: one less common use of beta blockers, is preventing migraines. Experts aren't sure as to how these drugs work, but what they know is, they relax blood vessels and help in lessening the intensity of the pain.
• Hyperthyroidism: occurs due to an overactive thyroid gland. Here, beta blockers help manage the symptoms of this condition. However, these drugs do not treat the underlying problem.

Before I wrap up, here is a brief on the various side effects of these drugs:

• Digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea
• Fatigue for no reason
• Depression
• Improper sleep
• Low sex drive
• Dizziness
• Hands getting cold and clammy
• Headache

Beta blockers may act differently for different people. How effective these drugs can be mainly depend upon the health of the patient, and the nature or status of the condition being attended to.