Beta-blockers are a type of drug prescribed for people with systolic heart failure (HF). Beta-blockers can be used by people with systolic HF either with or without symptoms. Beta-blockers are also used to treat heart failure that causes:1-4
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmias
Beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed with other drugs to treat heart failure, such as:1
- Aldosterone antagonists
- Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs)
- Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors
How do beta-blockers work?
Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine. This hormone is also known as adrenaline. By blocking this hormone, beta-blockers stop your heart from responding to adrenaline. This slows your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.1-4
Examples
There are many types of beta-blockers. But only 3 are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat heart failure:1-4
- Bisoprolol
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate)
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects can vary depending on the specific drug you are taking. The most common side effects of beta-blockers include:1-4
- Tiredness
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth or eyes
These are not all the possible side effects of beta-blockers. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking a beta-blocker. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking a beta-blocker.
Other things to know
Before treatment with a beta-blocker, tell your doctor if you have:1-4
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Certain types of arrhythmias
- Raynaud's phenomenon
Before beginning treatment for ConditionName, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
