People with heart disease or high blood pressure are frequently enough prescribed long-term beta blockers. But the side effects of the drugs could be more serious than previously thought.
Millions of Germans take beta blockers every day. The drugs are often used for high blood pressure and various heart diseases, such as after a heart attack. But taking beta blockers, or more precisely beta receptor blockers, can not only help, it also carries risks.Researchers from Sweden are currently reporting a newly discovered side effect of the drug.
As part of a study at Uppsala University, they examined more than 800 patients after a heart attack. The hearts of the test subjects all still had largely intact pumping performance. Some of them received beta-blockers as therapy, another group received basic medication without beta-blockers.The patients were asked about their symptoms at three points in time (hospital admission,six too ten weeks and twelve to fourteen months after the infarction).
The results were surprising: “Beta blockers led to a slightly increased level of depressive symptoms in patients who had suffered a heart attack,” summarized study author Philip Leissner. The test subjects reported feelings of anxiety and depressive moods.One possible explanation, according to researchers: Beta blockers can also have an effect beyond the heart, because the receptors to which they bind are also found in othre organs.
The study authors emphasized: Doctors should refrain from prescribing beta blockers, especially when it is not necessary. “If the drug has no effect on their heart, then patients take it unnecessarily and run the risk of becoming depressed,” says Leissner.
Along with the psychological effects, experts also see other risks when taking beta blockers. Some patients gain critically important weight due to the drug as it changes metabolism and can also have an unfavorable effect on blood lipids. However, being overweight is a major health problem and is in turn a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Other known side effects include fatigue,poor circulation in the extremities (cold hands and feet) and potency problems in men.
When treating high blood pressure,beta blockers are considered more of a backup medication. Other active ingredients are usually recommended for blood pressure patients. Including:
In the case of certain heart diseases, however, beta blockers are indispensable. These include heart muscle weakness (heart failure) or atrial fibrillation.Of course, it remains important: Each patient must be viewed individually – both in terms of the benefits and possible risks of a medication.
How important is user feedback in the continuous growth of a tech product, and how do you incorporate it into your process?
Sure! Here’s a template for an engaging interview. Let’s say the interview is with a tech entrepreneur who has recently launched a groundbreaking app. The questions are designed to be open-ended,encouraging thoughtful responses and engaging storytelling.
Interview Title: innovating the Future: A Conversation with [Interviewee’s Name]
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, [Interviewee’s Name]. It’s exciting to have you here to discuss your new app, [app Name]. Can you start by telling us what inspired you to create this app?
Interviewee: Absolutely! The idea sparked from…
Interviewer: That’s fascinating! It’s always engaging to hear what drives innovation. Can you describe a challenge you faced during the development process and how you overcame it?
Interviewee: One major challenge was…
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to see how you’ve navigated obstacles. With technology evolving so rapidly, how do you ensure your app stays relevant and meets users’ needs?
Interviewee: We prioritize user feedback and…
Interviewer: Speaking of users, can you share a story about a user experience that touched you or changed your perspective on your work?
Interviewee: One story that stands out is…
Interviewer: That’s a powerful anecdote! moving forward, what are some trends in tech that excite you the most right now?
Interviewee: I’m really excited about…
Interviewer: those trends are definitely shaping the future! If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Interviewee: I would say…
Interviewer: Wise words indeed! As we wrap up, can you share some sneak peeks into what’s next for you and [App Name]?
Interviewee: We’re currently working on…
Interviewer: That sounds remarkable! Thank you so much for your time today, [Interviewee’s Name]. It’s been a pleasure learning about your journey and insights.
Interviewee: Thank you for having me!
feel free to customize the questions and context for different interviewees or topics!