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From: wb@gamma.UUCP (Bill Beblo)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Beta blockers? What are they?
Message-ID: <691@gamma.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Sep-84 23:02:56 EDT
Article-I.D.: gamma.691
Posted: Mon Sep 24 23:02:56 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Sep-84 07:34:19 EDT
References: <219@mhuxm.UUCP>
Organization: BELLCORE, Murray Hill, NJ
Lines: 10

Beta blockers are a group of drugs (Propranolol, Nadolol, etc.)
which block the effect of naturally occurring stimulants such as
adrenaline on the "beta" receptors found in the heart and in
some blood vessels.  This effect slows the rate of heartbeat,
reduces the amount of work done by the heart, causes dilation
of some major blood vessels and antagonizes the physiologic
effect of natural body stimulants.  These drugs are currently
used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, angina, hypertension, etc.

The above was obtained from that comprehensive reference, The Pill Book.