Medication (name): Beta-blockers Examples of beta-blockers
include: - Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) - Propranolol
(Inderal) - Atenolol (Tenoretic) - Carvedilol (Coreg) - Nadolol
(Corgard) - Labetalol (Trandate) - Acebutolol (Sectral) Beta-
blockers may be prescribed if you have: - High blood pressure -
Coronary artery disease (CAD), including angina (pain or
discomfort in the chest), or history of heart attack - Heart
failure - Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) such as atrial
fibrillation - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - Pheochromocytoma
(rare tumor in the adrenal gland) - Thyrotoxicosis (worsening of
hyperthyroidism) - Essential tremor Mechanism for How It Works
Beta-blockers block the effects of adrenaline on your body's
beta-receptors. This slows the nerve impulses that travel
through the heart. As a result, your heart does not have to work
as hard because it needs less blood and oxygen. This decreases
heart rate, and blood pressure. Beta-blockers also block the
impulses that can cause an arrhythmia.