What are Beta Blockers Used For?

Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, also known as beta blockers, are a class of drugs that are used for treating various medical conditions. These were first used for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart conditions, but these are now being used for treating a myriad of health problems. In this article, we will try to understand how beta blockers work and what are beta blockers used for.

How do Beta Blockers Work

Beta blockers work by blocking epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to the beta receptors. The classification of these drugs is based on the type of beta receptors the drugs block. Beta receptors are a subtype of adrenergic receptors and are categorized into beta-1, beta-2 and beta-3 receptors. While beta-1 receptors are located mainly in the heart, eyes and the kidneys, beta-2 receptors are found in the respiratory and the reproductive system. Beta-3 receptors are mainly located in the adipose tissue. When these beta receptors are stimulated due to the release of large amounts of norepinephrine and epinephrine, it gives rise to the flight or fight response which is characterized by symptoms such as raised heart beats or high blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Thus, these drugs help in lowering the risk of various serious medical conditions.

Beta Blockers Uses

Now that you have a basic idea on how beta blockers work, let's find out what are beta blockers used for. As mentioned earlier, there are many types of beta blockers that are used for treating a wide range of medical conditions. Though these drugs are widely used for treating heart conditions, the use of beta blockers are not restricted to cardiovascular diseases. Here's some information on the uses of beta blockers.

Heart Conditions
Beta blockers are used for treating heart conditions such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, accelerated heart rate, angina and heart failure. These drugs help in lowering the heart rate by preventing the neurotransmitters from binding to the beta receptors located in the heart and blood vessels. Those who have already had a heart attack are often prescribed cardioselective beta blockers. One of the most important use of beta blockers is that they help in treating angina pains and lowers the risk of heart attacks in future.

High Blood Pressure
One of the well-known beta blockers effects is their ability to lower blood pressure, that is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels. The use of these drugs lowers the force as well as the rate of heartbeats. It causes a dip in the amount of blood the heart pumps out, thereby, lowering blood pressure. However, one must remember to take the drugs as per the prescribed dosage. An abrupt beta blocker withdrawal can lead to increased sensitivity to adrenaline and this can aggravate the condition.

Anxiety
Beta blockers are also used for managing the symptoms of anxiety. When faced with threat, the amount of adrenaline secreted in the body increases. This gives rise to an accelerated heart rate and a host of other symptoms such as trembling, excessive sweating and high blood pressure. When one takes beta blockers for anxiety, it will block the receptors in the sympathetic nervous system in stressful situations. It will prevent the heart rate from shooting up. While the use of beta blockers will not reduce anxiety, the visible symptoms of anxiety such as trembling of hands or excessive sweating can be masked.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye problem that is associated with the increase in the intraocular pressure. Since an elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and even lead to blindness, efforts need to be made to stabilize the eye pressure. One of the common ways of lowering the intraocular pressure is to use beta blockers. Beta blockers that are used for treating open angle glaucoma work by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye.

Migraine
Beta blockers are generally prescribed for those suffering from migraine headaches. Though it is not very clear as to how these drugs prevent migraine headaches, these have been found to be quite effective. It is believed that prevention of such headaches may be attributed to the decrease in the production of prostaglandin or the effect of these drugs on the arteries.

As is the case with most drugs, use of beta blockers can also give rise to certain side effects. A beta blocker overdose can give rise to certain side effects. One must take these drugs in prescribed dosage so as to avoid side effects of beta blockers. Though beta blockers can surely help in managing the symptoms of serious diseases, these must be taken under medical supervision.