Episode Details

Beta blockers work on the beta receptor situated on the surface of cells that are affected by circulating adrenaline which the body releases in times of stress. Small amounts of adrenaline circulate, even at rest and help determine the resting heart rate and cardiac output. They also have a direct action on the Sinoatrial node which sets the heart rate and the AV node, which becomes very important in patients prone to atrial fibrillation and flutter. Beta blockers have been developed over 50 years and are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including palpitations due to arrhythmia, high blood pressure, anxiety, migraine to name just a few. For a cardiologist, beta blockers are a commonly used medication, possibly because we live in a high stress world and patients come to us with symptoms that are often improved by taking blockers. Cardioselective beta blockers are more popular as they are far less likely to trigger bronchoconstriction or asthma. Here are a few points that are often raised by our patients.

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