Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site gamma.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!gamma!wb 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.