Synonyms in a broader sense
- Beta-receptor blockers
- Beta-adrenoceptor blocker
- Β blocker
Active principle
Beta-blockers (Concor®) used as blood pressure medications influence the level of blood pressure in various ways. They act on the heart as well as centrally, on the vessels and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In all cases they inhibit beta receptors.
At the heart, this inhibition causes the heart rate and stroke volume (amount of blood ejected per heartbeat) to be reduced and, as a result, the associated blood pressure to be lowered. At the vessels, in turn, the beta-blockers influence vascular tension (tone). By dilating the vessels, the vascular resistance decreases, which also causes a reduction in blood pressure.
In addition, these blood pressure medications prevent the release of the enzyme renin, which is at the beginning of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Ultimately, less angiotensin II is available (see ACE inhibitors) and blood pressure decreases. Finally, the beta-blockers also have a central effect on the level of blood pressure. They lower the sympathetic nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system) and thus also the resistance of the vessels, which is regulated by the central sympathetic nervous system, among others. All these principles act synergistically on the level of blood pressure and together cause its decrease.
Side effects
Patients who take beta-blockers can complain of impotence, muscle weakness, fatigue, sleep disorders, malaise and nausea. In addition, the heart rate (bradycardia) and blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia) may decrease. An increase in certain blood lipids (hyperlipidemia) is also possible when taking these blood pressure medications.
Interactions
Concor® in combination with antiarrhythmics or cardiac glycosides cause a reduced heart rate (bradycardia) up to a blockage of the excitation transmission (AV block). Furthermore, there are interactions with other blood pressure lowering agents; the decrease in pressure is intensified. Interactions of Concor® with oral antidiabetics and insulin result in increased hypoglycemia. If beta-mimetics are taken simultaneously, their effect is cancelled out by the beta-blockers.
Fields of application
Among other things, Concor® is used to treat high blood pressure, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease and chronic cardiac insufficiency.
Contraindications
Concor® should not be taken for certain heart diseases. Specifically, these include bradycardia (pulse less than 50 per minute), decompensated and acute cardiac insufficiency (heart failure) or higher-grade AV block (excitatory conduction disorder). Furthermore, these blood pressure medications are contraindicated in existing bronchial asthma (respiratory disease) and shock.
