Abrupt cessation of beta blockers can cause what?

Abrupt cessation of beta blockers can cause what?

• A. Rebound Edema
• B. Rebound Hypotension
• C. Rebound Tachycardia
• D. Rebound Hypertension

Answer: (D)

Abruptly stopping beta blockers after chronic use unleashes the sympathetic system. The body has upregulated beta receptors, so when blockade ends, catecholamines can act more strongly on vascular smooth muscle and the heart. This leads to increased peripheral vasoconstriction and a rise in systemic vascular resistance, causing rebound hypertension. Tachycardia can accompany this, but the standout rebound effect is the rise in blood pressure, which is why rebound hypertension is the best answer. To avoid this, beta blockers are tapered rather than stopped suddenly.

Abruptly stopping beta blockers after chronic use unleashes the sympathetic system. The body has upregulated beta receptors, so when blockade ends, catecholamines can act more strongly on vascular smooth muscle and the heart. This leads to increased peripheral vasoconstriction and a rise in systemic vascular resistance, causing rebound hypertension. Tachycardia can accompany this, but the standout rebound effect is the rise in blood pressure, which is why rebound hypertension is the best answer. To avoid this, beta blockers are tapered rather than stopped suddenly.