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4
Season Four Research Files
Episode Twenty-four
6:00am - 7:00am
"Beta-blockers" block action in the nerves of the involuntary nervous system and reduce the heart rate. The heart therefore uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the "fight or flight" chemicals because they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. Atenolol and metoprolol are two drug forms of beta-blockers used to treat abnormally rapid heart rhythms.
Epinephrine is used medicinally in cardiac arrest to stimulate heart rate.
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