[net.med] Beta blockers? What are they?

7131ac@mhuxm.UUCP (BATAILLE) (09/21/84)

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	I have seen beta-blockers mentioned as a way to control
both migraines and high blood pressure.
	Can anybody tell me what they are and how they work?


Bob Taylor

wb@gamma.UUCP (Bill Beblo) (09/25/84)

Beta blockers are a group of drugs (Propranolol, Nadolol, etc.)
which block the effect of naturally occurring stimulants such as
adrenaline on the "beta" receptors found in the heart and in
some blood vessels.  This effect slows the rate of heartbeat,
reduces the amount of work done by the heart, causes dilation
of some major blood vessels and antagonizes the physiologic
effect of natural body stimulants.  These drugs are currently
used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, angina, hypertension, etc.

The above was obtained from that comprehensive reference, The Pill Book.

dgc@ucla-cs.UUCP (09/27/84)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any discussion of "beta blockers" should note that, while extremely
useful for specific conditions, these drugs are potentially quite
dangerous, especially to asthmatics.  For example, the eye-drop
"timoptic" is the "drug of choice" for simple glaucoma (for
non-asthmatics).  However, one drop in the eye has been known to send
asthmatics to the hospital emergency room where they required pure
oxygen and other immediate relief.

David G. Cantor

Arpa: dgc@ucla-locus.arpa
UUCP: ...!{cepu, ihnp4, randvax, sdcrdcf, trwspp, ucbvax}!ucla-cs!dgc