Taking Beta Blockers? - Something you need to know.
I first posted this as part of a posting on another matter, but I think
it’s important enough to deserve a heading of its own. I recently
started a blood-pressure medication called a Beta Blocker. My doctor
tells me that one of the side effects is that is MASKS THE EFFECTS OF
LOW BLOOD SUGAR. Previously, low sugars would have me waking up in the
night drenched with sweat. Now, they’re unnoticible. If I’m behind
the wheel of a car that could be a problem. Anyone taking a Beta
Blocker needs to be aware of this.
January 28th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
The second drug I was given (the first being glyburide) was a beta blocker.
I’ve been on it for almost 8 years. While it may have masked lows, it hasn’t
done so completely. (Think Green Hornet mask vs. Batman mask, or even V mask.)
I can still feel most lows, and usually I feel them higher than when they are
considered low. Although once I did have a low below 50, scared the crap out of
me. Since this B-B also gives me reynauds, I’d like to get rid of it, but
because of the other issues I have, it has been low on my priority list.
Besides, my employer is a pia when it comes to changing meds. They need to know
everything, and force me to sit on the side lines for a little while when things
change.
I guess the summation is that one needs to know ones self, and test regularly.
That way you know what foods are going to not boost your numbers, and test a
bit more often to see what is happening.
Paul
January 28th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
*Problems with Beta-Blockers.* On the downside, studies are reporting that,
when used alone, they may reduce blood pressure, but they do not reduce
mortality rates. *And, of concern are studies reporting an increase in the
incidence of type 2 diabetes in people who take beta blockers.* Because they
can narrow bronchial airways and constrict blood vessels, patients with
asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis should avoid them whenever
possible. Some beta-blockers tend to lower HDL cholesterol (the beneficial
cholesterol) by about 10%; the effect is most marked in smokers.
as opposed to:
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin II receptor
antagonists, are similar to ACE inhibitors in their ability to lower blood
pressure. ARBs may have fewer or less severe side effects, including cough.
Comparison studies with the beta blocker atenolol ACE inhibitor have
suggested that it was superior in protection against stroke and in reducing
both overall mortality and mortality from heart disease, including in
patients with systolic hypertension. In one of the studies, *ARBs also
appeared to reduce the rate of new-onset diabetes.* Other studies have also
reported protection against kidney disease even in people with normal blood
pressure, *making them particularly beneficial for people with
diabetes.*They may even improve quality of life when added to a drug
regimen — a
finding also found with no other anti-hypertensive drugs. In fact, evidence
suggests they may improve sexual function in men. These drugs are expensive,
however, and additional comparison studies are needed, particularly with
diuretics and ACE inhibitors.
*Brands.* Brands include losartan (*Cozaar*, Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar)
candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (*Micardis*), eprosartan (Teveten),
irbesartan (Avapro), and valsartan (Diovan). A combination medication
containing ARBs and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT, Atacand
HCT) is also available. Newer agents are proving to be more effective for
lowering blood pressure than losartan, but more comparison studies are
needed to determine long term benefits.
*I have been taking Cozaar for six years for borderline hypertension. It
has kept my numbers well within limits. I was taking a beta blocker
(Atenolol) prior to that but when I read the study about the reduced risk of
strokes with Cozaar I asked my doctor to let me switch and she did. Also,
for anyone who has migraine headaches and also takes blood pressure
medication, you should ask for a trial of Micardis. My mother was plagued
with migraine headaches from before the 1950’s until the early 90’s. My
memories of my childhood included many many days with my mother could not
come out of her room - the room had to be dark, we kids (all five of us) had
to be quiet and she stayed nauseous and in great pain. When she was started
on Micardis in the early 90’s she got a whole new life - never once again
have a migraine headache. For her, it was a miracle drug.*