Which is a contraindication for beta blockers?

Which is a contraindication for beta blockers?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Asthma

Answer: (D)

Beta blockers can cause bronchospasm in the airways because they block beta-2 receptors that normally promote bronchodilation. In asthma, this risk of bronchoconstriction makes using beta blockers contraindicated, especially with non-selective agents that block both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. While beta blockers are commonly used for hypertension and help manage tachycardia in hyperthyroidism, those conditions are not contraindications. Bradycardia can complicate therapy and would require caution, but the airway reactivity in asthma represents the clearest safety concern, making it the contraindication in this scenario.

Beta blockers can cause bronchospasm in the airways because they block beta-2 receptors that normally promote bronchodilation. In asthma, this risk of bronchoconstriction makes using beta blockers contraindicated, especially with non-selective agents that block both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. While beta blockers are commonly used for hypertension and help manage tachycardia in hyperthyroidism, those conditions are not contraindications. Bradycardia can complicate therapy and would require caution, but the airway reactivity in asthma represents the clearest safety concern, making it the contraindication in this scenario.