What are beta blockers and what conditions do they treat?

Beta blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Common beta blockers include metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol. They are used for hypertension, angina, heart failure, arrhythmias, migraine prevention, and anxiety-related tremor. Beta-1 selective agents like metoprolol and atenolol primarily affect the heart, while nonselective agents like propranolol also block beta-2 receptors in the lungs and can worsen asthma. The suffix "olol" identifies most beta blockers.