Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D.

Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain.

The liver is the main processing center for cholesterol. When we eat animal fats, the liver returns the cholesterol it can not use to our bloodstream and when there is too much cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream, it can build up into fatty deposits. These deposits cause the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries completely, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also made by most cells in the body. It is carried around in the blood by lipoproteins. We need blood cholesterol because the body uses it to build the structure of cell membranes, to produce hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and estrogen and to aid the metabolism.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, the difference between them is:

a. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol called the bad cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.

b. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol called the good cholesterol because it helps to take the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is transported towards peripheral tissues by the lipoproteins chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

Risks associated with high triglycerides

According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), or more correctly, higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease because these promote atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person’s LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes.

Cholesterol in the bile can crystallize to form gall stones that may block the bile ducts. Cholesterol count also rises during pregnancy.

However, in recent years, scientists have come to realise that to decide whether an individual’s cholesterol levels are dangerous, these levels need to be considered in the light of the person’s overall risk of heart disease.The higher the risk of heart disease (for example, a male smoker with high blood pressure and diabetes), the greater the need to get cholesterol levels down.

Cholesterol tests

Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once every five years.

Foods that contain cholesterol

The cholesterol in your diet comes mainly from the saturated fats found in animal products. All foods from animals contain some cholesterol. Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol. Other sources of dietary cholesterol are full fat dairy foods, eggs and some seafood.

Safe blood cholesterol levels

Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5mmols per liter. Approximately 50 per cent of adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5mmols per liter. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.

How to lower high cholesterol

The best way to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in your diet is to limit foods high in saturated fats. Try to avoid: Fatty meats , full fat dairy products, processed meats like salami and sausages, snack foods like chips, most takeaway foods, especially deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

However the most important thing you can do to reduce your cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should try to:

a. Limit the amount of cholesterol-rich foods you eat.

Increase the amount and variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods you have each day.

b. Choose low or reduced fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products or have added calcium soy drinks.

c. Choose lean meat (meat trimmed of fat or labeled as heart smart).

d. Limit fatty meats, including sausages and salami, and choose leaner sandwich meats like turkey breast or cooked lean chicken.

e. Have fish (fresh or canned) at least twice a week. Replace butter and dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.

f. Include foods in your diet that are rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, such as nuts, legumes and seeds.

g. Limit cheese and ice cream to twice a week.

Some studies have suggested that eating oats and legumes may lower LDL cholesterol. Food components like saponins (found in chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts and other foods) and sulphur compounds (like allicin found in garlic and onions) may also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels,these are

found naturally in plant foods including sunflower and canola seeds, vegetable oils and (in smaller amounts) in nuts, legumes, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Some margarine has concentrated plant sterols added to it. Plant sterol enriched margarines may help to lower LDL cholesterol.

Treatment for high cholesterol

Treatment of high cholesterol is aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Treatment will be most effective if it also includes appropriate diet, weight loss (if necessary) and physical activity.

The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are: Regular physical activity and healthy eating.

There are also some foods that may help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya, oats, corn and selenium-enriched cereals.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are not suitable for children under five years or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Medication :Statin drugs work by interfering with the cholesterol-producing mechanisms of the liver and by increasing the capacity of the liver to remove cholesterol from circulating blood. Statins can lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent, depending on the drug and dosage.

Hypertension is increasing among America’s population. Researchers suggest between 25-33 percent of citizens have reason to be very concerned with checking/regulating their blood pressure. If hypertension is diagnosed, the family physician will probably suggest several lifestyle changes, to ascertain whether the problem can be solved without more invasive treatment. However, many people will require one or more high blood pressure medicines, to prevent dangerous health issues, in addition to encouraging healthier choices.

Among the plethora of medicines, the more common antihypertensive drugs used are ACE inhibitors. “These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels”. If a sufferer of high blood pressure has already adjusted his/her lifestyle and ACE inhibitors are required, the medicine will be a lifelong addition to the daily regiment.

An alternative to ACE inhibitors may be another high blood pressure medicine called calcium channel blockers. “These open up the blood vessels making it easier for the heart to work” (Medicines for High Blood Pressure). Calcium channel blockers also prevent the vessels from constricting. However, only a doctor can determine the right medicines for his/her patients.

Anyone can suffer from hypertension, and require permanent, or temporary, treatment. However, the majority of patients are either elderly or pregnant. For the individuals developing the disease in later years, daily medications are likely necessary for the remainder of life. Oftentimes, the family will have a history of hypertension.

In contrast, pregnancies are often plagued by increased blood pressure. Because of potential side effects to the unborn child, doctors generally avoid prescribing high blood pressure medicine. If the baby is close enough to term, the doctor may opt to perform a caesarian, and take the baby early. Mothers have been known to stroke out before the baby is born, or have added complications during delivery. Changes are, once the pregnancy ends, the blood pressure will return to safe pre-pregnancy levels.

If anyone’s blood pressure remains at unacceptably high levels, the potential for life-threatening complications increase. In addition to heat attacks and strokes, individuals suffering from high blood pressure can also have damaged kidneys or eyes. Unbelievably, the pressure may eventually cause renal failure, leading to dialysis and transplants. “Your kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting excess fluid and waste from your blood – processes that are highly dependent on the smooth operation of your blood vessels” (Mayo Clinic Staff). In addition, high blood pressure can be linked to vision problems. In some cases, the patient will go completely blind. Excess pressure can damage the delicate vessels leading to the retina.

In conclusion, do not take any chances. A check only takes a minute, and that particular minute can save a life. Do not let the disease dictate the health of the entire body. If the doctor prescribes medicine, to prevent devastating consequences, take it. With regular checks, a little problem can be curtailed, before it becomes a matter of life and death.

A new scientific research study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine provides further evidence that people with high blood pressure can find relief through meditation—but the study also found that not all forms of meditation are equally effective. The study compared findings from research on several well-known types of meditation and relaxation practices, and found that the only mind/body practice that produces significant changes in blood pressure is the Transcendental Meditation technique. 

 

According to a definitive new meta-analysis of 107 previous studies on stress reduction programs and high blood pressure, published in the American Journal of Hypertension (Vol. 21, 3: 310-316), the Transcendental Meditation technique was found to produce a statistically significant reduction in high blood pressure—an effect not found with other forms of relaxation, meditation, biofeedback or stress management. 

 

Significant Reductions in Blood Pressure

 

The new meta-analysis reviewed randomized, controlled trials published in peer-reviewed scientific journals over the past decades concerning stress reduction and relaxation methods used by participants with high blood pressure. Blood pressure changes through the Transcendental Meditation technique included average reductions of 5.0 points of systolic and 2.8 points of diastolic blood pressure, changes which were statistically significant, according to the review. These changes associated with Transcendental Meditation practice were consistent with other controlled studies showing reductions in cardiovascular risk factors, improved markers of heart disease, and reduced mortality rates among participants in the Transcendental Meditation program. 

 

Transcendental Meditation “equivalent to adding a second hypertensive agent”

 

“The magnitude of the changes in blood pressure with the Transcendental Meditation technique are at least as great as the changes found with major changes in diet or exercise that doctors often recommend,” said Dr. James Anderson, principal author of the study. “Yet the Transcendental Meditation technique does not require changes in lifestyle. Thus many patients with mild hypertension or prehypertension may be able to avoid the need to take blood pressure medications—all of which have adverse side effects. Individuals with more severe forms of hypertension may be able to reduce the number or dosages of their BP medications under the guidance of their doctor.”  

 

Dr. Anderson stated further: “Adding Transcendental Meditation is about equivalent to adding a second hypertensive agent to one’s current regiment, only safer and less troublesome.” 

 

Reduced Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

 

Anderson added that long-term changes in blood pressure of this magnitude are associated with at least a 15 percent reduction in rates of heart attack and stroke. “This is important to everyone because cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide,” Anderson said. The study’s biostatistician, Maxwell Rainforth, assistant professor of Physiology and Health Statistics at Maharishi University of Management, said the meta-analysis used state-of-the-art statistical methods to review 107 published studies in the field of stress reduction, relaxation and blood pressure. “The twenty-three separate studies included in the final analysis met well-known criteria for high scientific quality. That is, these studies used repeated blood pressure measurements and participants were randomized to either a stress reduction technique or placebo-type control for at least eight weeks. The data we used are all published in peer-reviewed scientific journals,” Rainforth said. 

 

Side Benefits of TM vs. side effects of drugs

 

According to Dr. Robert Schneider, director of the Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention and co-author, this rigorously conducted meta-analysis indicates that the Transcendental Meditation technique is distinctively effective compared to other scientifically studied techniques in lowering high blood pressure. “For those 100 million Americans with elevated blood pressure, here is a scientifically documented, yet simple and easy way to lower blood pressure without drugs and harmful side effects. In addition, related studies show an integrated set of positive ’side benefits,’ such as reduced stress, reduced heart disease levels and longer lifespan with this technique to restore balance in the cardiovascular system, mind and body,” Schneider said. 

 

Overturns a previous study on meditation

 

The new meta-analysis was co-authored by researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, in Louisville, and at the NIH-funded Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa. 

 

According to Dr. Anderson, the findings of this new study rebut a July 2007 report sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the NIH-National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which concluded that most research on meditation is low quality and found little evidence that any specific stress reduction effectively lowers blood pressure.  

 

The new meta-analysis identified all high quality meditation studies published through 2006 and rigorously analyzed their results, which the previous government report failed to do. Anderson said the new meta-analysis includes only high quality studies on all available stress reduction interventions. The studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique were conducted at five independent universities and medical institutions, and the majority of them were funded by competitive grants from the National Institutes of Health. 

 

 

 

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, affects approximately 1/3 of all Americans. Unknowingly, many people with the disease are essentially ticking time bombs waiting to explode. High Blood Pressure is also referred to as the silent killer. Although most diseases and illnesses manifesting symptoms, people often find the problem during a routine check in the doctor’s office, or after disaster strikes. Hypertension frequently causes serious, potentially life-threatening health problems; so, various medicines have been developed to keep the beastly disease under control.

High blood pressure can seriously damage a person’s arteries. Due to periods of excessive force, over time the artery walls are weakened, possibly resulting in aneurysms. Basically, fragile balloon-like areas may develop. Thus, an individual may die, if the artery pops. For a fortunate few, aneurysms are discovered before time runs out. However, the odds are not in the patient’s favor.

Also, odds are not in the patient’s favor when hypertension results in brain damage. Most Americans know someone who has suffered a stroke. Sometimes, forewarning signs, like distorted vision, slurred speech, or dizziness give an individual time to reach the emergency room for immediate treatment; usually, a stroke causes devastating health problems or death. For the people fortunate enough to survive, ambulation, speech, and even the ability to eat are some of the long-lasting effects. The patient then faces months, or years, of extensive therapy attempting to regain former skills most people take for granted. Plus, he/she has an increased probability of subsequent strokes.

In addition to strokes, probably the most common health risk of hypertension is a heart attack. As excessive pressure weakens the heart muscle, a person is at risk for coronary artery disease, an enlarged heart, and eventual heart failure. Sadly, high blood pressure is often diagnosed after the diseased heart has surrendered to the illness. Therefore, the best preventative measures against hypertension are periodic pressure checks, and high blood pressure medicine to manage the condition before it becomes a huge problem.

Although a myriad of medicines are available, doctors may decide what treatment is best based upon the patient’s age, ethnicity, other medications, and allergies. All of the issues may potentially determine how an individual will react to high blood pressure medicine. Nevertheless, beta-blockers have been commonly used, in the past, to control hypertension: “These slow down the heart, reducing the amount of work that it has to do, and lowers an important hormone. This opens the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to work”. Today, due to the adverse side effects of sleepiness and cold hands, the medication is infrequently prescribed to lower blood pressure.

In tandem with other blood pressure medicines, diuretics (water tablets) are used to release excess salt and water in the body. For some, water tablets will initially lower an individual’s pressure. However, the side effect can be a little disconcerting. Until a patient’s body is regulated, frequent trips to the restroom are a must. Therefore, patients are instructed to take the medication at a convenient time. For example, taking the pills before bed will probably result in a very restless night. Eventually, the body should adjust, reducing the need to release excess water.

In truth, the information mentioned above represents only a few of the consequences, and medicinal treatments, of high blood pressure. However, the short list is a great argument for further exploration of the disease and subsequent use of high blood pressure medicines. Heart attacks, strokes, and aneurisms are three often-fatal results of neglecting to treat hypertension. Also, beta-blockers and diuretics are only two of the many options for medicinal solutions. So, in order to avoid becoming a medical statistic, periodically have a health care professional check for possible hypertension, especially if a history of high blood pressure runs in the family. You may want or need high blood pressure medicines.

There is no disguising the fact and it is certainly one that should not be denied but there are considerable side effects of both having High Blood Pressure (and these can be lethal) and also considerable side effects of High Blood Pressure Medicine as well.

A lot of people confuse the two with each other and to be brutally blunt this does no one any good at all.

The purpose of this article is to concentrate by and large on the side effects of the medication taken for High Blood Pressure (HBP) and the treatment programmes embarked upon. The majority of this revolves around the side effects of the various drugs that are prescribed for the HBP.

If we break these down into the categories of the medication prescribed.

Thiazide Diuretics

By and large the main side effects of this class of medication are thirst, Muscle cramps, and potential digestive upsets such as diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting or abdominal pain. The levels of salts in the blood stream can be disturbed and the main side effects of diuretics i.e. the one thing they were designed to do is that they make you go to the toilet more often.

Occasionally Doctors might pick up via routine blood tests that your White Cell count might be lower than normal, your Blood uric acid levels might be raised (one of the potential causes of gout) and you might develop a rash.

Lastly two things. The first is that due to the ability to lower Blood Pressure fairly rapidly some patients have reported that fact they can sometimes get dizzy when they stand up. Secondly these drugs can affect a mans ability to have or sustain an erection. However if this is picked up on by your Doctor this condition is not only treatable but reversible as well.

Beta Blockers

With some Beta Blockers such as the drug Atenolol the side effects are as follows. You can develop excessive headaches, your pulse becomes slower, you develop a dry mouth and you become tired more easily with accompanying mood changes. The digestive problems and the dizziness reported above is also a potential problem with these Beta Blockers plus further side effects are excessive spasms of the blood vessels in the fingers and toes in cold weather and also an increase in the incidence of attacks of cramp in the calf muscles.

Calcium Channel Blockers

With these drugs and examples being amlodipine, the side effects are as follows. An increase in the number of Headaches. A rash and increased blood flow to the skin resulting in feelings of flushing. An increased amount of fatigue and nausea; dizziness and some incidences of fluid retention i.e. puffy ankles. Finally an overall loss of power and strength, an enlargement of the gums and a reversible inability for a man to have an erection.

Now it has to be stressed that all of the above side effects are not mandatory and that is to say that not everyone suffers from them it is purely a case of the fact that HBP Patients have been known to report these side effects and they have been medically checked out.

Elsewhere we plan to analyse the side effects of taking ACE Inhibitors and Alpha Blockers.

Blood Pressure medication can certainly provide relief for the sufferers.  But recently, I decided to inquire about the additional effects it brings with it.  This is only a partial list, but some of the common words and phrases I found are:  feeling faint, diarrhea, dry cough and joint pain. 

Those side effects while somewhat daunting didn’t even compare with these:  “depression, heart palpitations, impotence, damage to the liver and kidneys…” 

The benefits are then touted as still making the risks worth it. 

And maybe they are.  But I’m puzzled at how much benefit one gets from impotence and liver damage. 

Blood pressure drugs absolutely do have documented facts supporting their effectiveness.  I just have to wonder if that should be the end of the story or just part of it.

Leg cramping and tiring easily can be caused by a lack of potassium in the body.  The loss of potassium can be caused by an increased need to urinate.  And that, can be the result of diuretics – which are a popular hypertension treatment.

For others, particularly diabetics, diuretic drugs may force an increase of the blood sugar level. At this point additional drugs are required to add potassium to the body or to counter act the effects on the blood sugar level. 

A person who has been suffering from high blood pressure can now add blood sugar issues and heart problems to the now increasing list of health problems.

Given the array of drugs that can be prescribed, just how many other side effects might we actually be dealing with?

If we could just avoid the hypertension to begin with, we wouldn’t even have to bother worrying about the numerous side affects of the drugs designed to treat it, right?

Suddenly the thought of exercising and even eating a healthy diet doesn’t seem nearly as dreadful as is once did. 

Perhaps the television commercial did provide the exact remedy that I needed. I sat dazed in my chair for a few brief moments absorbing everything I’d just heard then I hesitantly put down my oversized bowl of popcorn, got out of my recliner, dusted off my sneakers and took a long, refreshing walk in the crisp night air while wondering just how far it actually is to the moon.

High blood pressure happens to be a widespread disease among people all around the world but we, Americans due to increased level of cholesterol, are more prone to this malady that often results in severe complications. There could be various reasons for why heart exerts more pressure on the blood flow that is popularly known as high blood pressure.

One common reason among Americans is widespread occurrence of high level of cholesterol. In case you discover yourself with this disease, you are needed to lay stress on dietary control. Life style changes greatly contribute in curbing hypertension. But a consistent rise in blood pressure must be treated by medications in consultation with doctor. There exist some over the counter medicines that you should strictly avoid in favor of prescription medications.

There are four common groups of high blood pressure medication that are as follows:

Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

With the help of these medications, functions of enzymes that happen to bring constriction in arteries are inhibited. This constriction often happens to be a cause of hypertension. There could be certain side effects such as excessive thirst and loss of taste with intake of these inhibitors, but these effects last for only a few days. These are relatively newer drugs.

Diuretics

It is most common medication for high blood pressure. This medication works in two possible ways. When diuretics are taken with a mild dosage it assists in relaxing blood arteries. The other work performed by it is facilitating out flow of excess water and sodium through urine in order to lessen the amount of blood. The only side effect associated with this medicine is reduction in potassium level of your body that happens to be an essential element for the normal functioning of body. For that food rich in potassium could be taken in plenty. Doctors often suggest potassium tablets along with this medication.

Calcium Channel Blockers

This group of medicines is not too old, but their usage is gaining momentum. They affect blood pressure in a very different way. They usually tend to disrupt smooth inflow of calcium in body cells, thus reducing cells intake of calcium. With reduced calcium heart rate gets reduced easing pressure on moving blood.

Beta -Blockers

Medicines of this group directly cast their impact on nervous system by making brain give a retarding signal to heart. The heart rate gets retarded and in turn pace of blood circulation decreases. Thus hypertension gets reduced. This medicine is rarely prescribed to diabetics with hypertension.

These are some common medications that you should take in consonance with constant monitoring of blood pressure through blood pressure monitor equipments. Lastly, beware of one thing. Don’t overdose yourself with these medications, consequences could be disastrous.

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it’s present with other risk factors. High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it’s more common among people over age 35. It’s particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Affecting approximately one in four adults in the United States, hypertension is clearly a major public health problem.

High blood pressure is called the silent killer. High blood pressure typically develops without signs or symptoms. and it affects nearly everyone eventually. There are two levels of high blood pressure: stage 1 and stage 2. It is less common in younger adults. Most cases are mildly high (up to 160/100 mmHg). However, at least 1 in 20 adults have blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg or above. High blood pressure is more common in people with diabetes. About 3 in 10 people with Type 1 diabetes and more than half of people with Type 2 diabetes eventually develop high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a ‘risk factor’ for developing a cardiovascular disease , and kidney damage, sometime in the future. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems with such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure. Some people can prevent or control high blood pressure by changing to healthier habits.

Calcium channel blockers may work better for blacks than do ACE inhibitors or beta blockers alone. Some medicines lower blood pressure by removing extra fluid and salt from your body. Others affect blood pressure by slowing down the heartbeat or by relaxing and widening blood vessels. Diuretics are sometimes called water pills. They work by helping your kidneys flush excess water and salt from your body. Beta blockers help your heart beat slower and with less force. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors keep your body from making a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are newer blood pressure medicines that protect your blood vessels from angiotensin II. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. Vasodilators open blood vessels by directly relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls, causing blood pressure to go down.

High Blood Pressure Treatment Tips

1. Diuretics are sometimes called water pills. They work by helping your kidneys flush excess water and salt from your body.

2. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors keep your body from making a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow.

3. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are newer blood pressure medicines that protect your blood vessels from angiotensin II.

4. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels.

5. Alpha-beta blockers reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels the same way alpha blockers do, but they also slow the heartbeat, as beta blockers do.

6. Nervous system inhibitors relax blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses from the brain.

7. Vasodilators open blood vessels by directly relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls, causing blood pressure to go down.

8. Alpha-beta blockers- reducing nerve impulses to blood vessels, alpha-beta blockers slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood.