Beta Blockers

You may take a medication called a beta blocker to help treat your CHF. Beta blockers are important in managing heart failure because they can take some of the stress off of your heart by lowering your blood pressure. If you take beta blockers you may have some side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness, lightheaded, dizziness, feeling tired, or a slower heart rate
• If you are a male, difficulty getting or keeping an erection

You should call your doctor if you have trouble breathing or if you feel very drowsy or tired. A full list of side effects can be found in the instructions that come with your medication.

There are a few tips that you should know so that you can get the most out of your medication:

• Take them with food or milk.
• Don’t drive or operate any machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Don’t take this medication late at night.
• Don’t skip any doses.
• Don’t stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Have a blood pressure machine at home to keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate.

Your doctor may have you take more than one medication to treat your heart failure. Each medication works in a different way, so it’s very important to take them all according to your care team’s instructions. If you have any questions about your medications, let your care team know.