Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Beta blockers are among the most-prescribed drugs to
treat high blood pressure, but a study from Sweden shows that
they can increase risk for strokes (Lancet, October 29, 2005.)
Brand names of the beta blockers include Toprol, Inderal,
Blocadron, Coreg, Inopran, Levatol, Pindolol, Sectral, Tenormin,
Timolol Trandate, Zebeta and Bisoprol. Studies show that they
are the drugs of choice to treat people who have had heart
attacks, heart pain, heart failure, rapid heart beat and atrial
fibrillation. However, even though many physicians prescribe
beta blockers to treat high blood pressure in their patients who
have not had heart attacks, no data show that they prevent heart
attacks in healthy people. This is the second major study to
show that beta blockers do not prevent first heart attacks and
may even increase a person’s risk for stroke. Besides, they often
make a person so tired that he has difficulty exercising.
January 8, 2006