What is a common side effect of beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications commonly used to manage various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias. One of the well-known side effects of beta-blockers is bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate.

Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the beta receptors in the heart. This action reduces heart rate, cardiac output, and the overall workload on the heart, making bradycardia a likely outcome, especially in individuals predisposed to slower heart rates or when beta-blockers are administered at high doses. In a clinical setting, it is essential for practitioners to monitor heart rate when patients are prescribed beta-blockers to identify and manage any significant reductions in heart rate.

Other potential effects of beta-blockers include fatigue, dizziness, and lowered blood pressure, but bradycardia stands out as a prominent and significant side effect that warrants careful attention.