“Both of those effects decrease the oxygen demands of the heart and so improve symptoms of angina when there is insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.” This mechanism is also thought to be what causes the blood pressure lowering effects of metoprolol, Dr. “This results in a slower heart rate as well as reduced contractility of the heart,” he says.
Metoprolol works by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors, explains Michael Goyfman, MD, chief of cardiology and director of echocardiography at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in New York. Metoprolol, also known by the brand names Lopressor and Toprol XL, is a beta blocker prescribed to help lower blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and increase your chances of survival after a heart attack or heart disease.
