Hypertension and Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed for heart conditions such as angina, congestive heart failure (CHF), and heart attack. They can help lower blood pressure, but they are often not the first line of treatment for hypertension.

Common beta blockers prescribed for hypertension include:

• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
• Metoprolol (Toprol)
• Nadolol (Corgard)
• Betaxolol (Kerlone)
• Acebutolol (Sectral)
• Pindolol (Visken)
• Bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Beta-blockers help treat hypertension by lowering blood pressure. They also reduce demands on the heart by reducing the rate and force of contraction.

Possible side effects of beta blockers include:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness (fatigue)
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Decreased sexual ability
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Trouble sleeping/nightmares
• Breathing difficulty or asthma
• Decreased ability to participate in strenuous physical activity