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
Older beta-blockers and high-dose diuretics may slightly raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
—
Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
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, 18 Sep. 2025
Lately, though, a new name keeps sneaking into the acceptance-speech shout-outs: beta-blockers.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
According to Ibáñez, the researchers believe their evidence is already robust enough to prompt a change in clinical practice, and are working on a new, larger meta-analysis to help further refine guidance on when beta-blockers should and should not be used after a heart attack.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For anyone with a score below 40% after a heart attack, beta-blockers continue to be the standard of care due to their ability to calm heart arrhythmias that may trigger a second event.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
Some analysts have said aficamten has the potential to replace metoprolol, which belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers, as the first treatment given to patients with the heart condition.
—Bhanvi Satija, Reuters, 30 Aug. 2025
But beta-blockers may be a promising treatment, the research shows.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Ivabradine could therefore be an effective alternative medication for PoTS patients who do not respond well to beta-blockers.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
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Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
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, 18 Sep. 2025
Lately, though, a new name keeps sneaking into the acceptance-speech shout-outs: beta-blockers.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
According to Ibáñez, the researchers believe their evidence is already robust enough to prompt a change in clinical practice, and are working on a new, larger meta-analysis to help further refine guidance on when beta-blockers should and should not be used after a heart attack.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For anyone with a score below 40% after a heart attack, beta-blockers continue to be the standard of care due to their ability to calm heart arrhythmias that may trigger a second event.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
Some analysts have said aficamten has the potential to replace metoprolol, which belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers, as the first treatment given to patients with the heart condition.
—Bhanvi Satija, Reuters, 30 Aug. 2025
But beta-blockers may be a promising treatment, the research shows.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Ivabradine could therefore be an effective alternative medication for PoTS patients who do not respond well to beta-blockers.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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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