Beta Blocker Concerns
- Do not abruptly stop taking these drugs. The sudden withdrawal of beta blockers can rapidly increase heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor may want you to slowly decrease the dose before stopping completely.
- Beta blockers are categorized as non-selective or selective. Non-selective beta blockers such as carvedilol and propranolol can narrow bronchial airways. Patients with asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis should not use these beta blockers.
- Beta blockers can lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- These drugs can hide warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with diabetes.
- Beta blockers are usually used in combination with ACE inhibitors, but the two drugs are not started at the same time. Research presented at the 2005 European Society of Cardiology meeting indicates that either a beta blocker or an ACE inhibitor can be prescribed at first, and the other drug added on later.
Common Side Effects
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Coldness in extremities (legs, toes, arms, hands)
Check with your doctor about any side effects. Do not stop taking these drugs on your own.
Diuretics
Diuretics cause the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water. Fluid retention is a major symptom of heart failure. Aggressive use of diuretics can help eliminate excess body fluids, while reducing hospitalizations and improving exercise capacity. In addition, certain diuretics, notably spironolactone (Aldactone), block aldosterone, a hormone involved in heart failure. This drug is beneficial for patients in late stages of heart failure (Stages C and D).
Diuretic Types and Brands. Diuretics come in many brands and are generally inexpensive. Some need to be taken once a day, some twice a day. Treatment is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased. Diuretics are virtually always used in combination with other drugs, especially ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. There are three main types of diuretics:
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