Beta Blockers

[littlemissshy]

I have just been diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, condition of the heart, so I am to be taking beta blockers as of next week. So i was just wondering

a) Experience with Beta Blockers and Raynauds?

b) Anyone have LQTS? And raynauds?

Thanks x

[AHM42]

There are a number of different types of beta blockers. Firstly, there are the selective and non-selective, or, as they are sometimes known cardio-selective and non-selective. The cardio-selective beta blockers have a predominant effect on the heart and therefore the peripheral vessels are not so affected. Thus, in the olden days when unselected beta blockade was the norm, a large number of people developed Raynaud’s Phenomenon because of this therapy. The cardio-selective beta blockers however are not fully cardio-selective and they do have some effect on the periphery i.e. vasoconstriction. There is an alternative form of beta blockade and that is one of the newer forms of vasodilating beta blockers. As the name suggests, they do not cause vasoconstriction. A patient may be better off on a cardio-selective beta blocker such as Bisoprolol rather than an unselective beta blocker. However, it may be even better to go on to one of the vasodilator beta blockers. It does, however, depend on the reason for the beta blockade. Specifically, Bisoprolol is used in patients who may have heart failure or may have vascular disease and require an operation. In general, however, the above rule applies and if the patient is taking the therapy for hypertension then a vasodilating beta blocker might be even better than the Bisoprolol.

This advice is purely general and you should discuss the alternatives with your GP or consultant.

AM

[littlemissshy in reply to AHM42]

thanks, Yeah i have my appointment tomorrow for an adrenaline test and ecg machine fitted for overnight. Thanks for all of this x