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Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are chemicals that reduce the force and rate of the heartbeat and decrease muscular tone in blood vessels. They work by acting on beta-adrenergic receptors located throughout the body. If these receptors are stimulated by stress-related chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline, our heart races or beats loudly. Beta blockers inhibit this process by occupying beta receptor sites and preventing chemicals like adrenaline from acting. Because they decrease the amount of work the heart must do, as well as reduce blood pressure, beta blockers are used to treat heart and circulation conditions like hypertension, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. These kinds of effects are also helpful in treating certain kinds of anxiety.
When used for congestive heart failure, beta-blockers relax blood vessels and help the heart beat more regularly. These medications also help relax the tone of the heart to allow it to function more efficiently and protect the heart from harmful excessive stimulation. Generally, these medications have not been used for chronic or congestive heart failure (CHF). Even packaging information often lists CHF as a contraindication for beta-blocker use; however, they have been used successfully in certain CHF patients since the mid 1970s. Recently, guidelines for treatment for CHF created by experts in the field have included a recommendation to give beta-blockers to particular CHF patients due to the beneficial effects on illness and death.
Drugs in the class
Metoprolol Tablets (Lopressor Tablets)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Metoprolol Extended-Release Tablets (Toprol-XL Extended-Release Tablets) | 
