Beta Adrenoceptor Blockers

Question 1

Sympathetic response in eyes?

Answer 1

Pupil dilation

Question 2

Sympathetic response in heart?

Answer 2

Increased heart rate and bp

Question 3

Sympathetic response in lungs

Answer 3

Bronchodication

Question 4

Sympathetic response in glucose control

Answer 4

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis

Question 5

Sympathetic response in GI

Answer 5

Decrease in gut motility

Question 6

Parasympathetic response in eyes

Answer 6

Pupil constriction

Question 7

Sympathetic response in heart

Answer 7

Reduced heart rate

Question 8

Sympathetic response in lungs

Answer 8

Bronchoconstriction

Question 9

Sympathetic response in GI

Answer 9

Increase in gut motility

Question 10

Sympathetic response in bladder

Answer 10

Micturition (action of urinating)

Question 11

Bet a bookers act on what receptors

Answer 11

Broadly alpha + block beta adrenoceptors

Question 12

When activated by catecholamines eg adrenaline , beta-adrenoceptors do what?

Answer 12

Stimulate ademylate cyclase
Conversion of ATP to cAMP
→ heart muscle contraction, sm relaxation, glycogenolysis

Question 13

Glycogenolysis

Answer 13

Breakdown of glycogen into glucose

Question 14

Example of non-selective beta blockers

Answer 14

Propranolol

Question 15

Clinical uses of beta-blockers

Answer 15

Treatment of: hypertension
Ischaemic heart disease
Cardiac arrhythmias/ abnormal cardiac rhythm
Heart failure
Symptoms of anxiety

Question 16

Role of beta-blockers in hypertension

Answer 16

Reduce secretion of renin
Reduce heart rate → reduces CO
Some non-selective beta blockers are also alpha1 blockers so vasodilation

Question 17

Line of treatment for hypertension -> beta-blockers are what line?

Answer 17

Usually 4th or 5th

Question 18

Role of beta-blockers in ischaemic heart disease and angina

Answer 18

Reduce myocardial oxygen demand
Improve conony blood flow
Antiarrythmic effects
Also reduces renin- angiotensin - aldosterone axis activity= reduced cardiac remodelling
Lowers bp

Question 19

beta-blockers for ischaemic heart disease and angina co-prescribed with?

Answer 19

Anti-platelets, statins and ACE inhibitors
- bb one of two first line options in treating angina symptoms

Question 20

Cardiac remoddelling means?

Answer 20

Heart ends to get a bit stiffer and is less able to pump, therefore beneficial to reduce it

Question 21

Beta-blockers co-prescribed with?

Answer 21

ACE inhibitors and aldosterone antagonists

Question 22

Role of beta-blockers in heart failure

Answer 22

Similar mechanism of action as impact on ischaemic heart disease
Particularly antiarrhythmicand reduced cardiac remodelling

Question 23

Role of beta-blockers in arrhythmias

Answer 23

Slows down heart rate
Beta blockers can reduce chances of -> In some cardiac disease, the ventricles start the electric signal ( depolarisation) , which can be dangerous → ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation

Question 24

Adverse effects of beta blockers

Answer 24

Lower heart rate and bp
Tiredness, fatigue, dizziness
Sleep disorders and nightmares
Erectile dysfunction
Peripheral coldness and (raynauds phenomena)

Question 25

Adverse effects of non-selective beta blockers

Answer 25

Branchospasm and worsening of asthma/ COPD