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A Beta Blocker IS A blood pressure medicine. What it does is prevent activation of beta receptors (located in the heart and smoothe muscle of artery walls- also in the lungs which can be a problem sometimes) which cause vasoconstriction of the blood vessels and increase in heart rate. By preventing this, it helps promote a lower blood pressure and a lower oxygen demand on the heart. Not generally given to those who have asthma or some sort of reactive airway disease or issues breathing because it has an opposite effect in the lungs.
Other types of blood pressure meds include: Diuretics which work by removing excess fluids, ACE-inhibitors which work by preventing the conversion of Angiotensin which constricts blood vessels, ARBs, and Calcium Channel blockers.
Depending on the reasoning behind high blood pressure, the ethnicity of the patient, age, and the severity of the hypertension will depend what they prefer to use first. Beta blockers are not typically the first preferred medication unless it is a more severe hypertension, or someone has just had a heart attack, etc. Usually they start with diuretics and maybe an ACE.
Read up on meds of your choice at www.rxlist.com If you know the name just type it in and it will give detailed info on how it works, indications, etc.
Specifically about beta blockers: http://www.medicinenet.com/beta_blockers/article.htm
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