beta-blocker

noun

be·​ta-block·​er ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər 

: any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors

beta-blocking

ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kiŋ 

adjective

Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People who are pregnant or lactating, taking beta-blockers, or have liver disease should consult their healthcare provider before adding green tea to their daily routines. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Selective beta-blocker: This type of beta-blocker primarily targets beta-1 receptors, which are found in the heart. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025

There are trials of beta-blockers in breast cancer. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025

Certain medications like beta-blockers can impact your heart rate. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025

People with heart failure often take diuretics, beta-blockers, or statins to help prevent the condition from progressing. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

These medications include diuretics (medications that remove excess fluids from the body), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), beta-blockers (drugs that lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure), and statins (prescription drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood).51 6. —Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

People with arrhythmias or heart block because beta-blockers can slow the heart rate, which may worsen some types of arrhythmias. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Summary Atenolol and metoprolol are beta-blockers that primarily act on beta receptors in the heart. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for beta-blocker

• knickerbocker
• blocker
• chalker
• cocker
• docker
• hawker
• hocker
• knocker
• locker
• mocker
• ocher
• rocker

Medical Definition

beta-blocker

noun

be·​ta-block·​er -ˈbläk-ər 

: any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta-receptor to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and lower high blood pressure and that are used especially to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias compare alpha-blocker