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Beta Blockers Research Paper

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Beta blockers which are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are drugs that block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. There are three types of beta receptors and each one controls different functions throughout the body. Beta-1 receptors are located in the heart, eye, and kidneys. Beta-2 receptors are found in the lungs, GI tract, liver, uterus, blood vessels, and skeletal muscle. Beta-3 receptors are located in the fat cells. When taking beta blockers they block B1 and B2 receptors therefore the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine. By blocking these neurotransmitter effects, beta blockers reduce heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow. (Ogbru & Mark, 2015) This class of medications are important because they the most commonly used medications for cardiovascular diseases. Some of the common diseases that beta blockers treat are angina, heart failure, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial …show more content…

(Mancano & Gallagher, 2014) Notice that all these medications end with –lol, a way to know what class the medications fall into. Beta blocker medication differ in the receptors they block and there effects. Non-selective beta blockers (propranolol), block B1 and B2 receptors, therefore affect the heart, blood vessels, and air passages. Selective beta blockers (metoprolol), block B1 receptors and mostly affect the heart and has no effect on the air passages. Labetalol and Carvedilol block beta and alpha-1 receptors. By blocking alpha receptors, this adds to the blood vessel dilating effects. Some of the beta blockers have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), which means they mimic the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine and cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. (Ogbru & Marks,

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