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Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers cause the blood vessels to open up, making it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body. They slow the heart rate down. Certain beta-blockers have been shown to help people with heart failure live longer when they are taken together with ACE inhibitors and diuretics. They have also been shown to reduce the need for hospital admission.
Some people taking beta-blockers for heart failure may experience worsening of their heart failure symptoms at the beginning of their treatment. This may or may not be caused by the beta-blocker. DO NOT STOP taking your tablets. Contact your doctor or Nurse as soon as possible. If the symptoms are caused by the beta-blocker they are usually temporary and can be reduced by your doctor adjusting your medication slightly.
Your beta blocker: .................................................................................................................... Target dose: ...................................................................................................................................
Bisoprolol
Carvedilol
If you are established on a Beta Blocker but you heart rate remains elevated you may be considered for an additional tablet called Ivabradine. This can be taken in addition to
a Beta Blocker to help control the heart rate and reduce workload, in turn reducing the risk of troublesome heart failure symptoms.
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