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Beta Blocker Therapy: Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes Death (Without Symptoms Or Warning) Pressure Or Chest Pain

Beta Blocker Therapy: Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes Death (Without Symptoms Or Warning) Pressure Or Chest Pain

Kaiser Permanente Health Matters : Preventing Attacks and death (without symptoms or warning) pressure or chest . from heart attack in people with coro- that you use for these conditions may nary heart . While taking a beta interact with beta blockers. blocker by itself is not enough to pre- • If you have severe allergic reactions vent heart attacks and strokes, it is an (such as anaphylactic ), you important part of your medical treat- may notice a stronger reaction to ment. allergens while taking this medica- It is common to take other medications tion. You may need more than the in addition to beta blockers to help usual amount of an protect against a heart attack or . to treat a severe allergic Ask your health care professional for reaction while taking a beta blocker. more information about other medica- f you are at risk for developing • Do not take a beta blocker if you tions that may help you. Iheart disease—or even if you have had an allergic reaction to any have already had a heart What problems could I have type of beta blocker attack—taking a beta blocker taking a beta blocker? • If you are pregnant or may become every day can help keep you pregnant in the near future, consult healthy. People who take beta Most people who take this your doctor about taking a beta blockers daily are much less like- have few or no side effects. Some blocker. people develop a very slow heart rate or ly to have a heart attack or die • Tell your doctor or other health care low pressure, which can make from a heart attack or stroke. professional if you are taking any of you feel lightheaded. these medications: How do beta blockers People with well controlled can (Cardizem, Dilacor) or help with heart disease? usually take a beta blocker without any (Calan, Isoptin). Most people think beta block- problem. In rare cases, the asthma can ers are just for lowering blood worsen. If you have uncontrolled Can taking a beta blocker increase pressure, but they are also a asthma, you should not take beta my chances of feeling tired? very helpful for your blockers because they may make your Possibly, but your health care team will heart and blood vessels. asthma worse. monitor you to make sure that you Beta blockers reduce the work- People with can usually take have no problems while taking this load of the heart by relaxing beta blockers without any problem, medication. the heart muscle and slowing although they may reduce the ability to down the heart rate. This feel the symptoms of a very low blood allows your heart to pump sugar level (). Beta- receptor blocking agents, more commonly known as blood more easily. Beta block- beta blockers, are a group of ers are used to treat high blood To reduce the risk of having medications which include: pressure, , irregular problems taking a beta blocker: heart beats, blocked , • Talk with your health care profession- • (Tenormin) and (). This al if you have asthma, heart rhythm • (Lopressor, Toprol) medication reduces sudden problems, , or are taking • (Inderal) other medications to treat high blood

Regional Health Education

Will it make my asthma worse? What do I need to know about • Set an alarm clock or watch for a If you have poorly controlled asth- my medications? reminder. • Establish a daily routine for taking ma, you should avoid taking certain Take the time to ask your doctor or your medications every day, such types of beta blockers. Discuss the health care professional about your as at bedtime, a specific mealtime, benefits and risks of taking this med- medications: ication with your health care profes- or at the beginning of a daily TV sional. • Why am I taking them? show like the evening news. • How often and how long should I • Use a pillbox. Will I have trouble having sex? take them? • Record your medications on a • Are there any special instructions Taking your beta blocker at night wallet card or calendar. for taking a particular medication? may help you to manage this possible • Can you think of others? ______• Should I take any medication only side effect. Talk to your health care at mealtime? professional if you are concerned. What else could I do to manage • Are there activities that I should my medication? How do medications (in general) avoid while taking any medication? • Keep a personal medication record fit into my treatment plan? • What kind of side effects could I card (wallet card) with you and have and what symptoms should I keep it up-to-date. Include any Although medications are an impor- look for? tant part of your treatment plan, or that you may • Is there a way to avoid any side have and any over-the-counter or they do not take the place of healthy effects? eating, regular physical activity, and non-prescription medications, stress management. If you are pre- products, or What should I do if I have side supplements that you are taking. scribed medications by your health effects? care professional, it’s important for • Review your medication record card you to take them as directed. Don’t Be sure to tell your health care pro- regularly with your health care stop taking them without consulting fessional if there are reasons why you professional, including your dentist. with your health care professional cannot take any medication that’s • When you purchase any new med- first. If you are experiencing side prescribed. Also, tell your health care ications, including over-the-counter effects, your health care professional professional if you seem to have medications or herbal medications, may be able to change the medica- trouble remembering to take your ask the to check for any tion or the dosage to prevent the side medication. interactions with your current effects. It’s likely that you may need medications. to take this medication for the rest of How can I remember to take • Refill your medications at least one your life, so work with your health my medications? to two week(s) before you run out. care professional to ensure that you Everyone has struggled with remem- • If a health care professional are taking the right medicine and bering to do things that they don’t recommends it, carry some kind of dose for you. If you feel that you can- regularly do. There are a number of medical identification like a Medic not afford your medication, financial things that can help you remember. Alert bracelet. For more informa- assistance may be available. To learn • Make a simple chart and post it in tion, call 1-888-633-4298, or go to more, talk to the pharmacist or call an obvious place where you will see MedicAlert.org. your doctor. it every day, like on the mirror in the bathroom.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. © 2004, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Regional Health Education. Adapted with permission from copyrighted material of The Permanente Medical Group, Inc., Northern California. (Revised 10-04) RL 9.4

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