Do You Still Need Your Beta Blocker? Here’s the Latest
4/7/202612 min
For decades, beta blockers were the go‑to prescription after a heart attack - meant to slow the heart rate and prevent future heart attacks. However, doctors are now reconsidering that long‑held approach. This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains who may still need these drugs, who might not, and why tapering safely matters. Also, a listener question about the long‑term side effects of beta blockers. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Nadia Kounang Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSanjay Gupta· Host0:00
[on-hold music] Hey there. Welcome to Paging Dr. Gupta. Thank you so much for joining us. As you know by now, this is the place where I get to hear from you. You've been sending in so many questions, great questions, sending in your stories. We're listening to them. I want you to know that. We're hopefully getting you information to help you better understand your health. Jennifer's back with us. What do we have first?
Jennifer Lai0:25
Hi, Sanjay. Today's question comes from Paul in New Westminster, British Columbia. He writes, "I had a heart attack in two thousand and seven and have since been on beta blockers. Should I continue them?"
Sanjay Gupta· Host0:40
All right, Paul, thank you so much for your question. Beta blockers have been in the news a lot lately, and you know, for more than forty years they've been one of the most commonly prescribed medications in America. They've been prescribed as a standard treatment for people after a heart attack, sort of a first-line therapy. The goal is to slow down the heart rate and hopefully prevent future heart attacks. That's why they've been prescribed. But doctors, scientists taking a closer look now at these medications, how much they're actually necessary and in whom. So today, beta blockers, what we know and what to consider if you're interested in stopping them like Paul is. We'll get into it right after the break. Stick with us.
Unknown speaker1:26
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