I have tried researching it online but have been unsuccessful. I am hoping there is a pharmacist or doctor or student in one of these areas who knows. You don't have to be one of these. I just want to know why.
P.S. Don't leave dumb answers please.
2006-12-08 12:17:24 · 6 answers · asked by hodgepodge122 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Beta blockers have never really gone out of vogue for heart conditions. Ten years ago it was thought that B-blockers would be detrimental in treating CHF. It was thought that reduced contractility of the heart would exacerbate the heart failure. Further studies showed actually that CHF improved with B-blocker use. Additionally a new medication, Coreg was developed that does sometimes amazing things to improve ejection fraction (relative efficiency of the heart) in people who have reduced cardiac function (CHF). I have seen EF's of 10% improve to 40 or 50% with the use of this medication in six month to one year period.
A recent study in England was released recommending that B-blockers be used as a second line hypertension agent after diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers (CCB). I would say this needs to be taken in context for patients where the main and only condition you are treating is hypertension then that makes sense. However, if you are treating coronary artery disease (CAD) or CHF then employing a B-blocker before a diuretic (for CAD) or a CCB (for CHF) would be a more rational choice.
B-blockers remain a cornerstone of treatment with acute coronary syndrome and as a protective medication for those with known or suspected coronary disease. Further they are frequently employed to control fast heart rhythms (such as atrial fibrillation with fast ventricular response) and at least as an adjunct to help control blood pressure. This is especially true if you are using any blood pressure agent that has vasodilatory effects (thus usually having a quickened heart rate in response - which B-blockers help control).
I hope this helps. Good luck.
2006-12-09 02:00:42 · answer #1 · answered by c_schumacker 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Sometimes new, newer, or longer-term studies are done that cause the prevailing thought to change which can be frustrating and confusing for patients and the generral public. The doctor AND the patient need to do their homework, sort through, and make a decision on what would be best for the patient.
Sometimes the new evidence is so convincing that yes, that med should no longer be used or not be used in certain patients or vice versa.
Also, another factor that should always be taken into account: FOLLOW THE MONEY. Somebody has something to gain, or lose, with the change in various methods of medical and/or surgical treatment and win or lose it's always designed to be at your ultimate expense. .
2006-12-08 13:08:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am a cardiac nurse. Beta Blockers work by decreasing the work load on the heart. It will lower the heart rate which in turns decreases the workload. A example of a Beta Blocker is Metoprol/Lopressor. It will drop your heart rate and lower you blood pressure. As with any Beta Blockers always check your heart rate and blood pressure before taking the drug.
2006-12-08 14:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by veronica o 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the previous answerer. Beta-blockers never went out of favor. The rest of his answer is pretty good......so I won't repeat it.
2006-12-10 03:48:45 · answer #4 · answered by jloertscher 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Studies have shown they work very well and reduce mortality/morbidity of patients. They are first line treatment in treating angina, post-MI treatment, heart failure (once edema is resolved), glaucoma, and a favored choice in hypertension.
2006-12-09 01:00:06 · answer #5 · answered by Lea 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋