What is the best beta blocker?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on February 19, 2026
Propranolol and atenolol have been studied most intensely in hypertension. For secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, the evidence is best for timolol. Sotalol is probably the best antiarrhythmic among the beta-blockers.
How do you stop taking beta-blockers?
Do not stop taking a beta blocker suddenly without consulting your doctor. This is important because when you take a beta blocker regularly, your body becomes used to it. Stopping it suddenly could cause problems such as palpitations, a recurrence of angina pain or a rise in blood pressure.
What is a good substitute for beta-blockers?
The selective inhibitor, ivabradine, provides an alternative way of heart rate reduction in addition to beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. This could become particularly useful in patients who are intolerant of beta-blockers, for example, in the presence of asthma or severe chronic obstructive airway disease.
What is wrong with beta-blockers?
Side effects commonly reported by people taking beta blockers include: feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded (these can be signs of a slow heart rate) cold fingers or toes (beta blockers may affect the blood supply to your hands and feet) difficulties sleeping or nightmares.
Can you eat bananas with beta blockers?
If you are taking a beta-blocker, your health care provider may recommend that you limit your consumption of bananas and other high potassium foods including papaya, tomato, avocado and kale.
What is safest beta-blocker?
A number of beta blockers, including atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), were designed to block only beta-1 receptors in heart cells. Since they don’t affect beta-2 receptors in blood vessels and the lungs, cardioselective beta blockers are safer for people with lung disorders.
What is the safest beta blocker?
What is the safest beta-blocker?
Do beta blockers shorten your life?
A large study published last month in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that beta blockers did not prolong the lives of patients – a revelation that must have left many cardiologists shaking their heads (JAMA, vol 308, p 1340).