If you’re also taking beta-blockers, it might be a little more difficult to read the signs.One of the symptoms of low blood sugar is rapid heartbeat. Also, your doctor may prescribe a beta blocker as one of several medications to lower your blood pressure.Beta blockers may not work as effectively for black people and older people, especially when taken without other blood pressure medications.Beta blockers are used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in people who have:Your doctor may prescribe beta blockers along with other medications.Beta blockers generally aren't used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks.In people who have diabetes, beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. In men, beta-blockers can limit blood flow to the penis and cause Beta-blockers are available under a variety of names. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. By blocking the action of the involuntary nervous system on the heart, beta blockers slow the heartbeat and relieve stress on the heart. Also, keep in mind that orange juice may interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.Some people also experience shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and loss of sex drive. One reason for this is that high glucose levels increase your risk of High blood pressure doesn’t necessarily cause symptoms. Also, if you switch from taking a water pill (diuretic) to a beta blocker as a treatment for high blood pressure, you may gain a few pounds of fluid that the diuretic kept off. These changes often are temporary.You shouldn't abruptly stop taking a beta blocker because doing so could increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart problem.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You may not be able to rely on symptoms to tell you that your blood sugar is low. In people who have diabetes, beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. A If you’re living with diabetes, treating high blood pressure reduces your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and neuropathy.Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.

That can be dangerous. If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask your doctor about using a home blood pressure monitor.If your blood pressure is elevated, catching it early may help you delay or avoid the need for medications to control it.Limit your alcohol consumption.
Work with your doctor and dietitian to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program.© 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company.


The decision to use medication, including beta-blockers, will depend on your personal medical history. Beta blockers aren't usually prescribed for high blood pressure unless other medications, such as diuretics, haven't worked effectively. Beta blockers generally aren't used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks. Propranolol and atenolol have been studied most intensely in hypertension. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease or stroke at an earlier age than the general population. They can cause a slight rise in triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood, and a modest decrease in "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and activation of heart muscle. In other words, your risk is still reasonably low, especially if you take steps to reduce your risk (diet, exercise etc). Beta-blockers can also help open up blood vessels, which improves blood flow. It's important to check your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes and you're taking a beta blocker.Beta blockers can also affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may want to try other methods of treating it before prescribing beta-blockers. Beta blockers also help open up your veins and arteries to improve blood flow.Some beta blockers mainly affect your heart, while others affect both your heart and your blood vessels. All rights reserved. Just as you monitor your blood glucose levels, you should also keep track of your blood pressure. Beta-blockers work best for managing short-term anxiety about specific events, rather than long-term anxiety. Learn why you might need them and their possible side effects.Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce your blood pressure. Some of the more common ones include:Due to the effect of beta-blockers on nutrient absorption, your doctor may recommend that you decrease your intake of sodium and/or calcium. Since high blood pressure doesn’t generally cause symptoms, be sure to have your blood pressure checked often. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Examples include:Your doctor will decide which medication is best for you. High blood pressure puts a lot of extra stress on your body. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Adjusting or changing your medication may improve (or increase) side effects.If you have diabetes, it’s important to get regular checkups. However, don’t let that fool you. Since beta-blockers slow your heartbeat, your heart’s response to low blood sugar may not be as obvious. If you have side effects, report them to your doctor right away.