Angina
Angina is a type of
heart disease that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood for a short period of time. The inadequate blood flow is caused by narrowed coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Chest pain is the most common angina symptom that can occur
(see Angina Symptoms for other symptoms of angina.)
Lopressor is effective at treating symptoms of angina, decreasing the number of angina attacks, and improving exercise tolerance. These effects of Lopressor occur because the medicine decreases the workload of the heart. This, in turn, means that the heart needs less oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to function properly at any given level of effort. Lopressor does not cure this type of
heart disease.
Improving Survival Following a Heart Attack
A
heart attack (also known as a
myocardial infarction) is a life-threatening event in which the supply of blood and oxygen to part of the heart is blocked for a long enough period of time that a portion of the heart muscle dies.
When people are given Lopressor after a heart attack, the risk of dying decreases by up to 36 percent. It is not known how Lopressor or other beta blockers improve survival following a heart attack.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Lopressor for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "
off-label" use. Some off-label Lopressor uses include:
- Treatment of arrhythmias (abnormal electrical activity in the heart)
- Hyperthyroidism treatment
- Migraine prevention
- Relief of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Treatment of anxiety, including social phobia and performance anxiety.
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