Patient was educated on Propranolol and its mechanism of action as follows:
- Propranolol is a nonselective Beta blocker drug that inhibits the action of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) on both the Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors.
- Inhibition of Beta-1 receptors result in slowing of heart rate and decreases the force of contraction of heart muscle.
- Reduction in heart rate contributes to low BP. Decrease in the force of contraction of heart muscle will bring about reduction in the amount of blood pumped out of heart, which also contributes to low blood pressure.
- The reduced heart rate and the force of contraction will also contribute to reduced work performed by the heart. As the work of heart is reduced, the oxygen requirement of heart also is reduced.
- Reduction in the oxygen requirement of the heart muscle will help situations of compromised cardiac function, such as, heart failure.
- Inhibition of Beta-2 receptors results in some vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction. This vasoconstriction contributes to some elevation of blood pressure. Bronchoconstriction can result in reduced airflow and difficulty breathing with exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms and shortness of breath.
- Propranolol can be used to reduce the BP, abnormally high heart rate, and to reduce workload on the heart in patients with compromised cardiac function. But, this medication should be used cautiously for the risk of bronchoconstriction and exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms with shortness of breath.
