Beta-blockers for heart attack and unstable angina
Why It Is Used
Beta-blockers reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload of the heart. When the heart does not have to work as hard, it requires less oxygen. This in turn can help relieve or prevent chest pain (angina). Beta-blockers are often used with other medicines to treat a heart attack in progress. Beta-blockers are also used to treat an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: May 5, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology |
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