Beta-blocker medicines slow the heart rate and decrease how forcefully the heart contracts, reducing the amount of oxygen the heart needs to work. Beta-blockers are often used to treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, fast or irregular heart rates, and mitral valve prolapse, and to help decrease or prevent chest pain.
Beta-blockers are also used for migraine headaches, social anxiety disorder, glaucoma, and a common type of movement disorder called essential tremor.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy |
| Last Revised | August 9, 2010 |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
