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, and fast or irregular heart rates.
Beta-blockers are also used for other health problems such as migraine headaches and glaucoma.
Current as of:
May 1, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Rakesh K. Pai, MD - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine