Answer from Dr Merkl:
Beta-blockers inhibit stimulating chemical messengers of the autonomic nervous system and thus reduce the performance of the heart. Its frequency is reduced by 20 to 30 beats per minute. This also lowers blood pressure. At the same time, beta-blockers can restrict athletic performance, but a training effect can also be demonstrated under therapy with this group of active ingredients. During cycling, blood pressure rises in the short term, but in the long term endurance sport has a positive effect on blood pressure (see also answer to the question "High blood pressure"). Training should be supervised by a doctor and the anaerobic threshold should be redefined while taking the medication. In addition to the effect on the performance of the heart muscle, beta-blockers also reduce metabolic functions. Other antihypertensive drugs such as calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists may therefore be more suitable than beta-blockers for patients who exercise. This must be clarified on a case-by-case basis.
