In general, beta-blockers refer to a group of drugs that restrict the activation of β-adrenergic receptors and are primarily used to manage cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension, and to mitigate the consequences of heart attacks. Furthermore, this type of medication might be utilized to treat migraines, and performance anxiety (Gokick, 2019). There are several types of beta-blockers, such as selective and non-selective, which are used for different purposes. The current paper attempts to examine the core differences between selective and non-selective beta-blockers and discuss their uses and contraindications.
To better understand the differences between the two types, it is essential to briefly define selective and non-selective forms. In general, beta-blockers inhibit β-adrenergic receptors; however, selective types only block β1 receptors that are located in the heart (Amboss, 2021). On the other hand, the non-selective medication blocks β1, β2, and β3 receptors that are primarily found in lungs and fat cells (Amboss, 2021). Due to the restriction of different β-adrenergic receptors, selective and non-selective types have distinguished uses. The former is primarily utilized to treat cardiac arrhythmias and other heart complications with the purpose of decreasing heart rate and contractility (Amboss, 2021). Non-selective medications affect β1, β2, and β3 receptors, and, therefore, do not target the heart specifically but rather address physical indications of performance anxiety (Gokick, 2019). The symptoms include migraines, sweating, nervousness, and muscle tension (Gokick, 2019). Therefore, while selective and non-selective beta-blockers are used in different ways, both types of medication might be highly effective in medical care.
Nevertheless, beta-blockers have a number of contraindications and might severely harm the patient under certain conditions. They generally include symptomatic bradycardia, decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and sinus node dysfunction (Amboss, 2021). Furthermore, beta-blockers should be utilized cautiously under the following conditions: asthma, psoriasis, and pregnancy (Amboss, 2021). Summing up, the current paper has demonstrated the primary differences between selective and non-selective beta-blockers and examined their uses and contraindications.
References
Amboss. (2021). Beta blockers. Web.
Gokick. (2019). What’s the difference between selective and non-selective beta-blockers? Web.