Beta Blockers

Medications for controlling your blood pressure and heart rhythm can also help after you have had a cardiac procedure. One type of medication that does this is beta blockers.

Controlling your heart rate and blood pressure using beta blockers helps with high blood pressure, heart attacks, low blood supply to your heart, and problems with your heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular or unsteady heartbeat that can sometimes happen after surgery.

If you take beta blockers, you may have some side effects such as drowsiness, feel lightheaded, dizzy, tired, or have a slower heart rate. You should call your doctor if you have trouble breathing or if you feel very drowsy or tired. Check the instructions that come with your medication for a full list of side effects.

For beta blockers, there are a few tips that you should know so that you can get the most out of your medication:

• Take beta blockers with food or milk.
• Don’t drive or operate any machinery.
• Don’t take this medication late at night.
• Don’t skip your doses when taking this medication.
• Don’t stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate.
  

Remember, the goal is to get you well, and these medications can help with that. But if you have any questions or are worried about any of the side effects, please talk with your care team.