Pumping Marvellous

Amiodarone – a brief explanation

Amiodarone is a drug that slows the electrical impulses to the heart. These impulses tell the heart how fast to beat and in what rhythm. It is mainly used for people with irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), but there is some evidence it can benefit patients with heart failure. However, no large and convincing studies have been done. Your GP probably will not prescribe amiodarone, but a heart specialist might.

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What are Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers have been proven to extend life and improve the symptoms of heart failure. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it over a few weeks or months.

All beta-blockers have names that end in lol. There are several different beta-blockers, including atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and metoprolol.

They work by slowing your heart rate and reducing blood pressure. Your doctor will probably start you on a beta-blocker after you have started taking an ACE inhibitor.

The most common side effects are tiredness, cold hands and feet, insomnia, dizziness or giddiness.

Beta-blockers

Commonly associated with some sports people for the wrong reasons.

Beta-blockers have been proven to extend life and improve the symptoms of heart failure. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it over a few weeks or months.

All beta-blockers have names that end in lol. There are several different beta-blockers, including atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and metoprolol.

They work by slowing your heart rate and reducing blood pressure. Your doctor will probably start you on a beta-blocker after you have started taking an ACE inhibitor.

The most common side effects are tiredness, cold hands and feet, insomnia, dizziness or giddiness.