- Beta Blockers

The heart tries to compensate for its weakened pumping action by beating faster, which puts more strain on it. Beta-blockers prevent the transmission of some nerve impulses by blocking certain chemicals that make the heart work faster and harder.

This means Beta-Blockers improve the pumping action of the heart by slowing the heart rate down and preventing narrowing (constriction) of the blood vessels. This results in the heart not having to work so hard. They are often prescribed to lower the blood pressure or to help angina (chest pain).

Beta-blockers commonly used are known as
• Bisoprolol
• Carvedilol
• Nebivolol
• Metoprolol
• Atenolol.

Side Effects
The most common side effects of these drugs are
• Dizziness/light-headedness
• Excessive tiredness/fatigue
• Impotence
• Cold feet and hands
• Increased breathlessness or fluid retention
• Vivid dreams/nightmares

Side effects can be reduced or disappear by reducing the dose.
Speak to your nurse about this.

Handy Tips
• If you have increased breathlessness/fluid retention/weight gain following an increase in your beta-blocker please inform your nurse or doctor.
• Do not stop your Beta-blocker suddenly unless directed by your doctor as it can make your heart failure or angina worse.
• If you have impotence please discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
• The dose of beta-blocker can affect how you feel so it is important that beta-blockers are increased slowly to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Taken from the Heart Failure Newsletter No10