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Health Library Beta-Blockers for Coronary Artery DiseaseFrom Healthwise

Home > Health Information from A-Z > Health Library > Drug Guide

Beta-Blockers for Coronary Artery Disease

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
acebutololSectral
atenololTenormin
carvedilolCoreg
labetalolTrandate
metoprololLopressor, Toprol
nadololCorgard
nebivololBystolic
penbutololLevatol
pindolol 
propranololInderal

How It Works

Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart by slowing the heart rate. A more rapid heart rate caused by exertion and excitement increases the workload on the heart.

Why It Is Used

Beta-blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. This in turn can help relieve or prevent chest pain and discomfort (angina). Beta-blockers are often used with other medicines to treat a heart attack in progress.

Beta-blockers are also taken after a heart attack for a long time—maybe for the rest of your life—to lower the risk of sudden death.

How Well It Works

Beta-blockers can reduce the severity and frequency of angina.1

Beta-blockers also lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps to lower the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Side Effects

Side effects of beta-blockers may include:

  • Fatigue.
  • Decreased blood flow to the extremities, causing them to feel cold.
  • Increased leg pain brought on by exertion (intermittent claudication).

In people who have diabetes, beta-blockers can cover up warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as change in pulse rate, and increase the risk of low blood sugar episodes.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Your doctor may ask you to take your pulse regularly to make sure your heart rate is not too slow. To learn how to take your pulse, see the topic Taking a Pulse (Heart Rate).

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. O'Toole L (2008). Angina (chronic stable), search date June 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
Last RevisedMay 10, 2010

Last Revised: May 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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