Final answer:
Beta blockers are medications used to manage cardiovascular diseases and must be carefully managed around the time of surgery to balance the benefits and risks. Metoprolol and propranolol are common beta blockers that may require dosage adjustments before surgery to avoid cardiovascular complications or adverse effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
ß-blockers, also known as beta blockers, are a class of medications widely prescribed to manage cardiovascular diseases. These medications operate by blocking the ß-receptors linked to vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration, thus playing a role in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. In the context of scheduled surgery, the prescription of ß-blockers may require adjustment. The decision to continue, stop, or alter the dosage of ß-blockers before surgery depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the patient's cardiac risk, and the specific ß-blocker being used.
For instance, metoprolol, which selectively blocks the ß1-receptor, and propranolol, which has a non-selective action on ß-receptors, must be managed carefully as abrupt withdrawal can lead to adverse cardiovascular events, such as tachycardia or hypertension. Healthcare providers often weigh the benefits of ß-blocker therapy against the risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications, modifying prescriptions accordingly to optimize patient outcomes. Overprescription can lead to unwanted effects like bradycardia or heart stoppage, especially if the patient's cardiac function is not closely monitored.