How Do Beta Blockers Work?

What is a beta blocker?

Beta blockers are commonly used for lowering blood pressure.1

How do beta blockers affect your body?

A beta blocker is a medication that slows the heart rate and reduces the force with which the heart muscle contracts, thereby lowering blood pressure. Beta blockers do this by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, preventing adrenaline (epinephrine) from stimulating these receptors.2

There are several other factors that may contribute to how beta blockers work, including suppressing renin, an enzyme released by the kidneys, and decreasing sympathetic activity.

Beta blockers can be described as either “selective” or “nonselective” and “vasodilating” or “nonvasodilating.”

Selective beta blockers work by blocking the effect of adrenaline in the heart, but not in the lungs or elsewhere in the body. Beta blockers that vasodilate have the effect of relaxing and widening the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through your arteries. This means the heart doesn't have to pump as hard and blood pressure is reduced.3

Do beta blockers have any side effects?

People respond differently to medication, including beta blockers. To learn more about side effects with BYSTOLIC, click here.