Are beta blockers used in critical care to treat heart conditions?

Yes, beta blockers are commonly used in critically ill heart patients. Patients who have had a heart attack usually get beta blockers to reduce the work of the heart by slowing the heart beat down and lowering blood pressure. They have been also shown to reduce the chance for rhythm disturbances. They also can be used to treat any rhythm disturbances in patients with heart disease and to reduce the risk of heart attack in heart patients having non-heart surgery.