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Beta Blockers
When we are nervous, frightened or physically active, our bodies produces adrenalin. Adrenalin makes the heart beat faster and harder and constricts the blood vessels, which makes our blood pressure shoot up-not good for those who have high blood pressure. Adrenalin works by latching on to structures called beta receptors on the muscle cells of the heart. The goal of beta blockers is to prevent adrenalin from attaching to these receptors. Blocking the receptors (and preventing adrenalin from working) slows the pulse and lowers blood pressure. This makes it easier for the heart to work, even for those who have narrowed coronary arteries.
Uses:
| Chemical name |
Brand names |
| acebutolol |
(Sectral) |
| atenolol |
(Tenormin, Tenoretic) |
| betaxolol |
(Kerlone) |
| bisoprolol |
(Zebeta, Ziac) |
| carteolol |
(Cartrol) |
| carvedilol |
(Coreg) |
| esmolol |
(Brevibloc) |
| labetolol |
(Normodyne, Trandate) |
| metoprolol |
(Lopressor, Lopressor HCT, Toprol) |
| nadolol |
(Corgard) |
| penbutolol |
(Levatol) |
| pindolol |
(Visken) |
| propranolol |
(Inderal, Inderide) |
| timolol |
(Blocadren, Timolide, Timoptic (eye drops)) |
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