Beta blockers are a type of blood pressure medication prescribed usually after a heart attack specifically to lower hypertension, or high blood pressure. Patients with low blood pressure, whether immediate or chronic othostatic hypotention should avoid this type of blood pressure medication.
Beta blockers inhibit adrenaline, slowing down the heart rate to reduce demand for oxygen by the heart. Beta blockers are also used for the chest pain of angina, abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, and heart attack.
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The effects of beta blockers on the heart are the reasons the blood pressure medication should not be used for low blood pressure,
according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The blood pressure medication meant to help lower blood pressure could be hazardous for people with extremely low blood pressure. Beta blockers also cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which could be dangerous for people prone to those conditions because of hypotension, or slow pulse (bradycardia).
Cleveland Clinic also advises recording your pulse daily if you take beta blockers to moniter any changes in blood pressure.
Signs to look for if you think you might have low blood pressure include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Sleepiness
Low blood pressure often does not need treatment if there are no symptoms,
explains the National Institutes for Health.
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Symptoms of low blood pressure may occur when there is a sudden change in body position, such as standing after lying down, or when standing for a long time. Severe low blood pressure, also called hypotension, can result from loss of blood, severe allergic reaction, severe infection, or heart attack.
Other causes of low blood pressure include medications for anxiety, depression, and heart problems. Diuretics, painkillers, and alcohol may also trigger low blood pressure. Heart arrhythmias, nerve damage from diabetes, dehydration, and heart failure could result in low blood pressure.
Treatment depends on the cause of low blood pressure or the symptoms, according to the NIH. In severe cases, medication to increase blood pressure, intravenous blood treatment, or antibiotics might be used.
Your doctor may prescribe different medications if they are the cause of your low blood pressure. Drinking more fluids helps with dehydration. Compression stockings help to keep blood flowing if changes in position cause low blood pressure.
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