Beta-blockers are targeted treatments for the heart and circulatory system. These are a class of medicines that work by inhibiting some cell activity, which in turn keeps blood pressure under control and heals heart arrhythmias.
But, there are some risk factors involved with this prescription medication, such as withdrawal symptoms and other potentially dangerous effects. Alongside these risks, there are some relatively non-hazardous ones like dizziness, fatigue, and cold hands.
Now, a new study has assessed the drugs for the extent of side effects and found they are probably doing more harm than good, according to the Study Finds.
Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden, who conducted the study, found that in patients who have had a heart attack, but do not have heart failure, continuing beta-blocker therapy beyond the first year does not appear to lower the risk of future cardiovascular problems.
How do beta blockers work?
Beta-blockers are medicines that work by blocking the effects of a hormone called adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, which induces a “fight-or-flight” response in the body.
They typically target beta receptors in the body that are responsible for increasing blood pressure by teaming up with chemical signals released by the nervous system. By blocking these receptors, beta blockers slow down the heart rate, reduce the force of contraction of the heart muscle, and decrease the amount of oxygen the heart needs to function. This leads to a drop in blood pressure levels and symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and anxiety.
The new study, however, concluded that for those who suffered a heart attack without developing heart failure, beta-blockers may not be as effective. Dr. Gorav Batra, the study author, said long-term use of beta blockers doesn’t guarantee riddance from future heart attacks or death in patients who had suffered a cardiac event earlier, Study Finds reported.
The study, which was published in the journal Heart, examined a…
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