Exact Answer: 3 years
Beta-blockers are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs used by cardiologists. It helps reduce the pressure on the heart and blood vessels. They can also aid in the treatment of stress, tremors, and other ailments. Beta-blockers are also known as beta-antagonists, beta-adrenergic blockers, and beta-adrenergic antagonists.
Beta-blockers function by suppressing the effects of the adrenaline-like hormone epinephrine. Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by causing the heart to beat more slowly and with less power. It also assists to enhance blood flow by widening veins and arteries.
How Long Can You Stay On Beta Blockers?
| Types of beta receptors medicines | Lasts for |
| Propranolol | 1 – 2 days |
| Atenolol | 2 days |
| Labetalol | 1 – 2 weeks |
Beta-blocker medication is recommended for three years by doctors. Beta receptors are classified into three types:
- Beta-1 (B1) receptors are found primarily in the heart and are involved in cardiovascular activity regulation.
- B2 receptors are found in a variety of organs and are involved in smooth muscles and metabolic functions.
- B3 receptors, which aid in the breakdown of fat cells.
B1 and B2 receptors are the focus of the current medicinal applications.
In elderly people, it may not be as effective, especially when used with other blood pressure drugs. Cardiovascular problems, glaucoma, migraine, anxiety, hyperactive thyroid, and some forms of tremors are among the conditions for which it is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms. Beta-blockers may be prescribed alongside other drugs by your doctor.
Non-selective and selective beta-blockers are the two types of beta-blockers. Selective beta-blockers, such as atenolol and bisoprolol, are used more frequently by cardiologists since their activity primarily affects the heart and has fewer side effects elsewhere in the body. Non-selective beta-blockers, such as propranolol, work to block adrenaline and noradrenaline in various parts of the body, including the heart.
Beta-blockers should not be used in certain situations. Uncontrolled cardiac failure, low blood pressure, or bradycardia are examples of this. Beta-blockers are not administered if you have asthma or another lung illness since they might trigger severe asthma episodes. Your doctor will weigh the pros and cons.
Beta-blockers may prevent indications of low blood sugar, such as a fast pulse, in diabetics. If you have diabetes and are using a beta-blocker, it’s critical to monitor your blood sugar frequently.
It has an impact on cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. They cause a slight increase in triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and a small decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or good cholesterol. These changes are only temporary.
Why It Takes That Long To Stay On Beta Blockers?
Beta-blockers can assist patients who have had a heart attack from having another one. As part of a package of risk reduction strategies, all patients who have had a heart attack should be administered a beta-blocker before being discharged from the hospital, according to guidelines. In most cases, treatment should be continued for the rest of one’s life.
Beta-blockers activate receptors all over the body and can cause a variety of adverse effects, including freezing feet and hands, especially in the elderly, as well as exceptionally vivid nightmares. Fatigue, gastrointestinal pain, memory loss, and sleeping difficulties have been reported by some people. Some men who use beta-blockers have erectile problems on occasion.
Beta-blockers, like other pharmaceuticals, can interact with a variety of different medications. It contains antipsychotic drugs, which are used to treat serious mental illnesses. Anti-arrhythmics, which manage irregular heartbeats, and antihypertensives, which reduce blood pressure, are all examples of mefloquine, which is used to treat or prevent malaria.
Without contacting your doctor, do not abruptly discontinue using a beta-blocker. This is significant because your body develops accustomed to taking a beta-blocker regularly. Stopping suddenly may cause palpitations, recurrence of angina discomfort, or increased blood pressure.
Conclusion
In many cases, beta-blockers are the first-line therapy. They’re particularly beneficial for reducing cardiovascular symptoms like high blood pressure.
When using beta-blockers, people should always follow their doctor’s recommendations and let them know if they have any health problems or are taking any other drugs.
References
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002003.pub5/abstract
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0085253815518735
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