beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər 
: any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors
Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or other options.
—
Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
The beta-blocker was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of heart problems including high blood pressure, arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) and angina.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026
The beta-blocker propranolol has been a mainstay of American medicine since the 1960s, when it was regularly prescribed as a first-line defense against hypertension, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine previously showed that starting beta-blockers soon after a heart attack did not improve major outcomes for certain patients with normal heart pumping function.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Research shows that beta-blockers and diuretics don’t work as well when caffeine enters the mix.4
Maron recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day, roughly the amount in three cups of coffee.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There are several medications that can help, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which also help lower blood pressure.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Feb. 2026
People with chronic kidney disease, or those taking beta-blockers or potassium-sparing diuretics, may also need to moderate their intake of high-potassium foods like sweet potatoes and yams.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Nov. 2025
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Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
The beta-blocker was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of heart problems including high blood pressure, arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) and angina.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026
The beta-blocker propranolol has been a mainstay of American medicine since the 1960s, when it was regularly prescribed as a first-line defense against hypertension, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine previously showed that starting beta-blockers soon after a heart attack did not improve major outcomes for certain patients with normal heart pumping function.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Research shows that beta-blockers and diuretics don’t work as well when caffeine enters the mix.4
Maron recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day, roughly the amount in three cups of coffee.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There are several medications that can help, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which also help lower blood pressure.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Feb. 2026
People with chronic kidney disease, or those taking beta-blockers or potassium-sparing diuretics, may also need to moderate their intake of high-potassium foods like sweet potatoes and yams.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
-ˈbläk-ər
: any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta-receptor to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and lower high blood pressure and that are used especially to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias compare alpha-blocker
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