Beta blocker

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a
variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases.

Beta blockers block the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine on the β-adrenergic
receptors in the body (primarily in the heart, peripheral blood vessels, bronchi, pancreas,
and liver). The hormones and neurotransmitters stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
by acting on these receptors.

There are three types of beta receptors: β1-receptors located mainly in the heart, and β2-
receptors located all over the body, but mainly in the lungs, muscles and arterioles. β3-
receptors are less well characterised, but have a role in fat metabolism.

Activation of β1-receptors by epinephrine increases the heart rate and the blood pressure,
and the heart consumes more oxygen. Drugs that block these receptors therefore have the
reverse effect: they lower the heart rate and blood pressure and hence are used in
conditions when the heart itself is deprived of oxygen. They are routinely prescribed in
patients with ischemic heart disease. In addition, beta blockers prevent the release of
renin, which is a hormone produced by the kidneys which leads to constriction of blood
vessels.

Drugs that block β2 receptors generally have a calming effect and are prescribed for
anxiety, migraine, esophageal varices and alcohol withdrawal syndrome, among others.
Many beta blockers affect both type 1 and type 2 receptors; these are termed non-
selective blockers. Selective beta blockers primarily affect β1-receptors. Selective beta
blockers gradually become less selective at higher doses.

Non-selective beta blockers should not be used in patients with asthma or any reactive
airway disease. Doing so can precipitate bronchospasm by blocking the β2 mediated
relaxation of the bronchiole muscles.

Since they lower heart rate, beta blockers have been used by some Olympic marksmen to
provide more aiming time between heart beats.

Some musicians use beta blockers to avoid stage fright and tremor during auditions and
performances.

Beta blockers decrease nocturnal melatonin release.