Beta blockers are special anti-hypertensive drugs used to treat patients suffering from high blood pressure which cannot be alleviated through any other non-medicinal means. They function by isolating the effects of the sympathetic nervous system from the heart, by nullifying the effects of a hormone called adrenaline, which, when secreted, causes (among other things) the heart rate to rise dramatically. Neutralization of this effect significantly reduces the amount of oxygen and blood needed by the heart to pump blood, and results in a drop in the heart rate, eradicating irregularities and fluctuations.

Before taking a beta blocker, consultation with a doctor is very important. Despite the fact that newer-generation beta blockers are very stable medications, they should not be considered unless other non-medicinal alternatives have failed to alleviate the condition. Beta blockers should not be used by pregnant women. Also, if the patient suffers from any other medical complications, they should not be prescribed beta blockers unless the doctor is absolutely sure that the different medications will not conflict with each other. Also, they should not be used at all by patients who suffer from severe cases of asthma, bradycardia, or have heart blocks.