What are beta blockers ?

Beta blockers (sometimes written as β-blockers) are a class of drugs used for various indications, but particularly for the management of cardiac arrhythmias and cardioprotection after myocardial infarction. Whilst once first-line treatment for hypertension, their role was downgraded in June 2006 in the United Kingdom to fourth-line as they do not perform as well as other drugs, particularly in the elderly, and there is increasing evidence that the most frequently used beta-blockers especially in combination with thiazide-type diuretics carry an unacceptable risk of provoking type 2 diabetes.

The cells in your body are receptive to different chemicals in your body. One kind of the receptor in the cell wall is a beta receptor. Beta blockers literally block some of these receptor so less of the chemicals are taken up by the cells. Originally these were given to people to slow down their heart rate as beta receptors play an important part in regulating the speed the heart beats at. "Tremors" is a symptom rather than a diagnosis so your father's doctor is treating the cause of the tremors. Trust your father's doctor, he/she has the whole picture and will monitor your father.

Beta blockers are a drug that blocks receptors in the myocardium (the middle layer of the heart wall) and other sites reducing heart rate and blood pressure. these areas aren't involved with blood sugar levels or diet, and as long as your father mentioned his diabeties to the person who was treating him he should be fine. if you have any doubts you could consult his or another GP, although everything's probably fine.

You may find some of these layperson sites to be more helpful as well: Just search beta blockers Beta blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, treat a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, glaucoma and migraines. Beta blockers reduce blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. As a result, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels relax and open up to improve blood flow. Some beta blockers mainly affect your heart, while others affect both your heart and your blood vessels. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated. Beta blockers are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. * Atenolol (Tenormin) * Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) * Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA) Uses for beta blockers Doctors prescribe beta blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as: * High blood pressure * Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) * Heart failure * Chest pain (angina) * Heart attacks * Glaucoma * Migraines * Generalized anxiety disorder * Hyperthyroidism * Certain types of tremors Side effects and cautions Common side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, cold hands, dizziness and weakness. Less common side effects include shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, loss of sex drive and slow heartbeat. Beta blockers generally aren't used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks. Beta blockers can also affect your lipid levels, causing a slight increase in triglycerides and a modest decrease in high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol. These changes often are temporary. You should not abruptly stop taking a beta blocker because doing so could increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart problems. RELATED Reprints and permissions icon Reprints and permissions By Mayo Clinic Staff Dec 22, 2006 © 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

dont have the access to other peoples answers . but i am insulin user who also is on beta-blockers . they will help his diabetes by reducing stress related reactions on central nervous system no harm can be done thank you