beta-blocker
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | Date: 2008
beta-blocker or beta-adrenergic blocking agent , drug that reduces the symptoms connected with hypertension , cardiac arrhythmias , angina pectoris , migraine headaches, and other disorders related to the sympathetic nervous system . Beta-blockers also are sometimes given after heart attacks to stabilize the heartbeat. Within the sympathetic nervous system, beta-adrenergic receptors are located mainly in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Beta-blockers compete with the nerve-stimulating hormone epinephrine for these receptor sites and thus interfere with the action of epinephrine, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, stopping arrhythmias, and preventing migraine headaches. Because it is also epinephrine that prepares the body for "fight or flight" in stressful or fearful situations, beta-blockers are sometimes used as antianxiety drugs , especially for stage fright and the like. People taking a beta-blocker must avoid caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods, because the interaction of those substances and the drug can raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Propranolol (Inderal) is a commonly used beta-blocker.
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The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2008
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press
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beta-blocker
World Encyclopedia
beta-blocker Any of a class of drugs that block impulses to beta nerve receptors in various tissues throughout the body, including the heart ...
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beta -blocker
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
... system. By preventing that excitation, beta-blockers are useful in controlling anxiety , hypertension , and a variety of heart conditions ( heart disease ). They reduce the risk of a second heart attack . beta -blocker beta -blocker beta -blocker
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beta blocker
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English
be·ta block·er • n. any of a class of drugs that prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action. Beta blockers are used to control heart rhythm, treat angina, and reduce high blood pressure.
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Propranolol
Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
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propranolol
A Dictionary of Psychology
propranolol n. Propranolol hydrochloride, the most commonly prescribed beta-blocker .[From pro(pyl) containing the monovalent group C 3 H 7 + pr(op)anol , from propane + - ol denoting a compound containing a hydroxyl group, from (alcoh)ol ]
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