Heart Rate response to beta-blockers in elderly vs adults?

Question

Beta-blockers act by decreasing the heart rate of the patient. Why is this response decreased in the elderly?

Answer 1

Beta blockers work by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. In the elderly, the beta-adrenergic receptors are less sensitive and responsive. Therefore, the actions of the beta blockers are met with less success due to this lack of responsiveness. As well, beta blockers are metabolized by the liver. The liver in the elderly can metabolize drugs more slowly and sometimes with greater risk of toxic effects. Beta blockers are therefore more carefully prescribed for the elderly and if prescribed, are usually not given without the help of another drug to decrease the heart rate and cardiac workload.