beta blockers

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Beta Blockers May Cut Alzheimer's Risk
Beta Blockers May Cut Alzheimer's Risk
STUDY SAYS

Beta Blockers May Cut Alzheimer's Risk

Study finds fewer brain changes in those using blood pressure drugs

(Newser) - A class of drugs already widely used to control high blood pressure may also significantly reduce the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Researchers found that men who took beta blockers for hypertension had fewer signs of the brain shrinkage and other changes associated with...

Heart Medicine Pioneer James Black Dead at 85
Heart Medicine Pioneer
James Black Dead at 85
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Heart Medicine Pioneer James Black Dead at 85

Scottish pharmacologist invented beta blockers

(Newser) - James Black, the Nobel prize-winning scientist whose invention of beta-blocker drugs is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives, has died after a long illness. The Scotsman's discovery of propranolol and pronethalol revolutionized the treatment of heart patients and was "one of the few things that really deserves...

Beta Blocker 'Erases' Bad Memories

(Newser) - A drug usually prescribed for high blood pressure can relieve people of painful memories, the Telegraph reports. Taking the beta blocker drug propranolol, subjects in a Dutch study experienced less fear when reminded of a shocking memory. Researchers said millions of people suffering from emotional disorders or "self-perpetuating memories"...

Beta Blockers 'Killing Patients'

Research uncovers dire effects of pre-surgery drug

(Newser) - Beta blockers routinely given to patients before surgery do far more harm than good, with patients 35% more likely to die within a month than those given a dummy pill, according to a study reported in the Lancet.  While the blood pressure drugs did cut the number of heart...

Hypertension Linked to Fewer Migraines

High blood pressure may interfere with pain signals

(Newser) - Beta blockers and other medications that lower blood pressure are routinely prescribed for migraines, but now a new study has discovered that people with high blood pressure had 40% fewer headaches. "This is a paradox," the lead researcher told WebMD. One possibility is that high blood pressure interferes...

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