Beta Blockers and Ace Inhibitors

  Greetings!
  Am so glad I found this site.  Very helpful information!
  I would like to know the major differences between beta blockers and ace inhibitors.  Secondly, is it possible to be on both types of medications at the same time?
  Thanks much!
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Dear Joyce
Patients are often on both types of medications at the same time.
Beta blockers cause decreases in the heart rate and blood pressure. They also cause the heart to work less harder.
ACE inhibitors decrease the blood pressure. They also help hearts that have been damaged remodel themselves.
Both classes of medicines are very useful and have been shown to help patients with heart disease.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.