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Page: Clinical Use
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Large differences exist in the pharmacology of agents within the class, thus not all beta blockers are used for all indications listed below.
Indications for beta blockers include:
* Hypertension
* Angina
* Mitral Valve Prolapse
* Cardiac arrhythmia
* Congestive heart failure
* Myocardial infarction
* Glaucoma
* Migraine prophylaxis
* Symptomatic control (tachycardia, tremor) in anxiety and hyperthyroidism
* Essential tremor
* Phaeochromocytoma, in conjunction with ?-blocker
Beta blockers have also been used in the following conditions:
* Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
* Acute dissecting aortic aneurysm
* Marfan syndrome (chronic treatment with propranolol slows progression of aortic dilation and its complications)
* Prevention of variceal bleeding in portal hypertension
* Possible mitigation of hyperhidrosis
Congestive heart failure
Although beta blockers were once contraindicated in congestive heart failure, as they have the potential to worsen the condition, studies in the late 1990s showed their positive effects on morbidity and mortality in congestive heart failure (Hjalmarson, 2000; Leizorovicz, 2002; Packer, 2002). Bisoprolol, carvedilol and sustained-release metoprolol are specifically indicated as adjuncts to standard ACE inhibitor and diuretic therapy in congestive heart failure.
Anxiety and performance enhancement
Some people, particularly musicians, use beta blockers to avoid stage fright and tremor during public performance and auditions. The physiological symptoms of the fight/flight response associated with performance anxiety and panic (pounding heart, cold/clammy hands, increased respiration, sweating, etc.) are significantly reduced, thus enabling anxious individuals to concentrate on the task at hand.
Currently, no beta blocker is approved for anxiolytic use by the US FDA. Still, use of beta blockers to combat the physical symptoms of anxiety is not uncommon, particularly among performers, and there are studies which confirm their efficacy as anxiolytics. (Schneier 2006)
Since they lower heart rate and reduce tremor, beta blockers have been used by some Olympic marksmen to enhance performance, though beta blockers are banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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