One Minute Genius
Beta Blocker Pharmacology
OK friends, to understand Beta Blocker Pharmacology:
#1 Learn the Fight or Flight Response
#2 Think opposite
Remember, Fight or Flight is the body system designed as an emergency response to help you fight an enemy or run away. If this stress response is sustained over time, it becomes harmful.
The chief mediator of the fight or flight is epinephrine. Epinephrine is highly active at Beta One, Beta Two and Alpha One receptors
| Need | Fight or Flight | Beta Blocker Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow | Beta One: Increased Heart Rate | Decreased Heart Rate |
| Blood Flow | Beta One: Increased force of Contraction Remember: Beta One, the heart is #1 | Decreased force of contraction |
| Blood Flow | Beta Two: Vasodilation | Vasoconstriction (yes, this is counterintuitive, but true) |
| Oxygenation | Beta Two: Bronchodilation | Bronchoconstriction |
| Energy | Glycogenolysis and Gluconeogenesis in the liver | poor response to low blood sugar and decreased symptoms |
| Glucose in Muscles | Insulin Secretion | Decreased insulin secretion (hyperglycemia) |
| Adequate Blood Volume | Increase Renin Secretion | Decreased Renin secretion |
Albert and I had to go mountains in the center of the island of Bali to research this one for you. Bali is one of many islands that make up the country of Indonesia. 