Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is deadly and it is on the rise as one of the deadliest diseases of today’s world. High blood pressure basically is the blood in the human body being pumped too hard and putting too much pressure on the veins. Alpha and Beta blockers are both medications that help the blood to flow smoother and lowering the blood pressure. Though both drugs do the same thing, they do it in very different ways.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha Blockers work by relaxing the muscles and that relaxation causes the blood vessels to open allowing the blood to flow smoothly through. This reduces the pressure of the blood trying to push through too small of an opening. Thus, the blood pressure goes down.
Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers also cause blood pressure to go down but it works in a totally different way. Beta blockers work by slowing the heart rate. The heart pumps less blood through the veins and allows the pressure to go down.
What Is Their Difference?
Alpha and Beta blockers are called blockers because they block certain hormones. Alpha blockers block the hormone norepinephrine. Beta blockers block the hormone epinephrine which most of us know as adrenalin. So basically, Alpha blockers relax the muscles and open the veins to allow smooth blood flow to the heart. Beta blockers slow the heart rate and thus reduce the blood pressure from the heart. Beta blockers also help regulate the blood flow.
People with abnormal heart rhythms or very fast heart rates take Beta blockers as do people with arrhythmias. However, Beta blockers have been known to cause breathing problems so people with asthma or other breathing problems should not take a Beta blocker.
Side Effects and Treatment
When a patient begins Alpha blockers or Beta blockers, it is not unusual for him to feel tired and dizzy. In time these side effects subside.
Another side effect of taking a Beta blocker is weight gain. The slowing of the heart also slows metabolism. Reduction of calorie intake would be necessary to offset the change. Alpha blockers do not affect metabolism and do not cause weight gain.
If a person takes an Alpha blocker for very long periods of time, he is at risk for heart failure. People taking these medications must be monitored regularly by a medical professional. A person on Beta blockers cannot stop taking the drug all at once or he puts himself at risk for heart attack. If he wishes to discontinue the Beta blocker, it must be done slowly and under the guidance of a doctor. With the risks involved of high blood pressure, most people agree use of the alpha and beta blockers is less risky than letting their hypertension go untreated. As long as the drugs are taken correctly and under the care of a doctor, they are safe and effective.