Reply to an Answer

Cliff Sullivan,   Thanks for your question.    Metoprolol Succinate ER (brand name Toprol) is an extended release, or long acting, beta blocker medication.  Beta blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and some forms of abnormal cardiac arrhythmias.  They work by slowing the heartbeat and decreasing the force and intensity of each heart beat which lowers the oxygen demand of the heart muscle.   In the case of patients that have had a heart attack, studies have shown a lower occurrence rate of a repeat heart attack as well a better survival rates.    Other studies have shown a lower restenosis (recurrence of the coronary artery blockage) rate, and therefore many cardiologists are routinely prescribing beta blockers to help protect patients from developing new blockages as well as recurrence of their original blockage.   I hope this has been helpful.   Martin Cane, M.D.