Question Title: Use of beta-blockers

I am a 40 year old male who was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse at age 21 after going through an EKG , echo-cardiogram , and a cardiac catherisation ( my doctor said he thought I had a hole inside my heart ). After all these tests and several stress tests administered by employer medical offices to determine fitness I have not experienced any abnormal beats or "flutters" until recently.
I've gone to my general physician here in Atlanta and she ran another EKG strip and found no abnormal patterns . She suggested that I try and determine when over the course of the day these "flutters" occur . She also offered beta blockers as a medicinal solution to "ease the sensation" of the "flutters". What are beta-blockers , what do they do to the body and what are the side effects of taking them over an extended period of time ? I'm a little leary of starting any medication that I'll be forced to take for the rest of my life , however long that might be .
I thank you for any input on my questions and answers to my concerns . Phil H.

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Dear Phil, thank you for your question. The "flutters" that occur with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are premature contractions of the atria and ventricles and are benign. These premature contractions, however, may be a nuisance to patients who suffer from them so medications (beta blockers) are sometimes used to suppress the premature beats. Beta blockers block the cellular receptors that respond to adrenaline and thus stabilize the heart so that it's less susceptible to premature beats. However, there are side effects to beta blockers (BB). High blood pressure is often treated with BBs so the blood pressure may drop in someone with a baseline normal BP to cause lightheadedness and dizziness. Other side effects seen with BBs include fatigue and impotence. Thus, if you are able to tolerate the premature beats, you may not want to face the side effects of BBs. Thus, I suggest you speak to your physician to make a decision on whether to use BBs. I hope you find this information useful.

Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.

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