Beta Blocker side effects-should be on a beta-blocker?

The latest data indicate that beta-blocker (BB) does not seem to be of no benefit in three distinct patient groups. This study analyzed data from 44,708 patients:

1. Those with coronary artery disease (CAD) but with no history of heart attack (31%)

2. Those with a history of heart attack (one year or more) (27%); and

3. Those coronary risk factors alone (42%).

We know there are a lot of benefits of this medication after an acute heart attack or if you have heart failure. What we are talking about is those 3 groups mentioned above. Are used for heart disease by lowering your request of hearts by:

1. lower your heart rate

2. lower your blood pressure

Beta Blocker side effects:

Common side effects include:

Fatigue
Cold hands
Headaches
Stomach pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Sleep disorders
Loss of sexual desire
Depression
Lead author Dr Bangalore (New York University School of Medicine, NY) reports their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association, published online October 2. Have found some pretty interesting things. Have not found any association with reduced cardiovascular events, even in previous heart attack patients. They followed these patients for 44 months and examined the results of cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke.

How long should continue taking a beta blocker after a heart attack?

Well isn’t very known. There are a few things to consider.

1. you are in heart failure? If so then there are still benefits.

2. you are prone to heart arrhythmias?

3. do you have a high resting heart rate?

4. Continue with the heart health program?

The latest guidelines of the European society of Cardiology recommend a long-term therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular function.

Although there are guidelines in place, BB are being prescribed due to the perception that perhaps are useful. But doctors should be very careful in making exceptions.

There are a lot of patients who have had a heart attack, bypass or stents and are still on the BB, but are stable. This is something to discuss with your doctor. Beta blockers should not be used to treat high blood pressure, although beta blockers are still widely used for high blood pressure, despite the fact that it was downgraded by many societies of hypertension. If you have high blood pressure are better drugs to treat.