They’re officially called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. But most people call them beta-blockers. Show Beta-blockers include:
Be aware:
What does it do?Beta-blockers make your heart work less hard. This lowers your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressures. If your heart is weakened, certain beta-blockers can protect your heart and help it get stronger. Key facts about beta-blockers:
Be aware: If you take a beta-blocker, keep a written log of your heart rate and blood pressure.
How do I take it?Take your beta-blocker exactly as prescribed.
Are there any interactions?Some medications can stop your heart medicine from working properly. They may even cause other health problems. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking. These include:
Are there any side effects?Beta-blockers can cause some side effects.
Be aware: If you have diabetes and take a beta-blocker, watch your blood sugars closely. It may be harder to notice the effects of low blood sugar:
Beta-blockers don’t affect dizziness or sweating caused by low blood sugar. If you have side effects, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Lifestyle changes that can also helpThere are two ways to control and manage your heart health: medication and lifestyle. Medication can help you control heart disease and high blood pressure, but it cannot cure it. A healthy lifestyle can help you keep medication to a minimum. Visit heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy. Learn how to keep your heart healthy with current information and advice from Heart and Stroke experts. Talk to your healthcare provider about the most beneficial lifestyle goals for you. Related informationYour healthcare provider or pharmacist are your best sources of information. You can also learn more about medications at any of these trusted sites. Health Canada - Drugs and Health Products Learn more about: Your ministry of health also offers health resources in your province or territory. For example, Ontario’s MedsCheck program provides free pharmacist consultations. And British Columbia’s Senior Healthcare web page provides information about important health programs. Drug coverage Share on PinterestMint Images/Getty Images Beta-blockers are a type of medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other conditions. It’s only used off-label to treat anxiety. Beta-blockers stop the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline), and this causes the heart to beat slower and lowers your blood pressure. Some foods, herbs, and supplements can also act as natural “beta-blockers” by helping to lower blood pressure naturally. We explore 11 natural beta-blockers and the risks of using these natural alternatives. What do beta-blockers treat? Several foods, herbs, and supplements may act as “natural beta-blockers,” functioning in the body as beta-blockers typically do by helping to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and more. Many fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods contain antioxidants, which play a crucial role in the prevention of inflammatory conditions and may lower blood pressure as well. Research has shown that eating foods containing antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may help reduce blood pressure levels. 2. L-arginineL-arginine is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide (NO), which can cause blood vessels to enlarge and may help lower blood pressure. Research has shown that increased L-arginine levels can also reduce hypertension in rats. Sources of L-arginine include:
3. PotassiumAdequate levels of potassium in the diet can help to keep blood pressure levels low. Many people can get more than enough potassium from a well-balanced diet. Low fat dairy products, fish, bananas, and potatoes are a few good sources of potassium. Garlic has a long history of use as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s been studied for many conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Many studies have shown that garlic can significantly reduce blood pressure. It also has similar benefits for other conditions that beta-blockers treat, such as heart disease. 5. Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.)Hawthorn is a traditional Chinese herb that’s used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that hawthorn may have a positive effect on blood pressure and heart rhythm, and may even be able to help manage the symptoms of heart failure. 6. Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina)Rauwolfia is a traditional herbal supplement used for the treatment of hypertension. It contains tryptophan derivatives called indole alkaloids. This herb may help lower blood pressure by reducing the body’s ability to absorb the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which contributes to the body’s fight-or-flight response. 7. Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus)Red yeast rice is popular herbal supplement for cardiovascular disease that contains substances called monacolins. One in particular, Monacolin K, works much like a statin (a drug that lowers cholesterol) and is the most well-studied compound in red yeast rice. In one clinical trial from 2015, researchers found that a mixture of red yeast rice and olive oil was able to improve lipid profiles in participants with metabolic syndrome. Consult with your doctor before taking red yeast rice since it may have side effects similar to those caused by statin drugs. Also, researchers found that the levels of monacolins in red yeast rice can vary, so there’s no way to be sure how much monacolin is in any individual red yeast rice supplement. 8. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)Barberry is a traditional herbal medicine that’s been used to treat inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions. In animal studies, barberry lowered blood pressure by reducing certain inflammatory markers. Since inflammation has been linked to hypertension, barberry may help to lower blood pressure levels. These fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been researched extensively for their role in heart health, among other health benefits. These “healthy fats” may help reduce blood pressure, blood clots, plaque deposits, and inflammation. One review showed that 16 studies found EPA and DHA (2 main types of omega-3s) to be effective in improving cardiovascular function. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce anxiety symptoms. 10. CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10)This important compound plays a role in energy production and antioxidant protection. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to various diseases, including heart disease. One animal study from 2016 found that CoQ10 supplementation could potentially improve blood pressure in hypertensive rats. 11. MagnesiumAn essential mineral necessary for metabolic processes such as muscle contraction and nervous system regulation, research has found that low magnesium levels may lead to high blood pressure. Magnesium supplementation may also help to lower anxiety levels. Many of the foods that function as natural beta-blockers do so by reducing blood pressure and promoting heart health. There are very few risks to eating more fruits, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods, so feel free to incorporate more of these into your diet. Alternately, most vitamins and minerals can be safely consumed as part of a daily multivitamin. However, some herbal supplements may interact negatively with medications. It’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any vitamin or herbal supplement, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. For your own safety, you should never stop taking your prescription beta-blockers or other treatments without the approval of your doctor. Talk with your doctor about nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your blood pressure naturally. Over time, you may both feel comfortable reducing or stopping your beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are a commonly prescribed medication for conditions such as high blood pressure and anxiety. They function by reducing the effects of the fight-or-flight hormones on the heart. Natural beta-blockers function in a similar manner by reducing blood pressure. Many of these natural beta-blockers can also improve your overall heart health. Consider eating more of or supplementing with these natural options. As with any new dietary changes, always consult your doctor first. |