Definition

1. Noun:
   • A beta-adrenergic blocker is a type of medication that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the body. This action decreases the force and rate of heart contractions. It is primarily used to treat conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a beta-adrenergic blocker to help control the patient's hypertension.
  • After his heart attack, he was put on a beta-adrenergic blocker to reduce the strain on his heart.
  • Common side effects of a beta-adrenergic blocker can include fatigue and cold hands.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on a beta-adrenergic blocker": to be taking this type of medication as part of a treatment regimen.
  • She has been on a beta-adrenergic blocker for her arrhythmia for several years.

Variants and Related Words

• Beta-blocker (n): A common and shorter synonym for "beta-adrenergic blocker." This is the term most frequently used in everyday medical conversation.
  • The cardiologist switched his medication from an ACE inhibitor to a beta-blocker.
• β-blocker (n): A symbolic notation using the Greek letter beta (β).
• Adrenergic antagonist (n): A broader pharmacological term for drugs that block adrenergic receptors, which includes alpha-blockers as well as beta-blockers.

Synonyms

• Beta-blocker: The direct and most common synonym.
• Beta-adrenergic antagonist: A more technical synonym emphasizing the mechanism of action (blocking/adversary).

Related Phrases

• Nonselective beta-blocker: A type that blocks both β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors.
• Cardioselective beta-blocker: A type designed to block primarily β1 receptors in the heart.

Noun

1. any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia; decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system