Propranolol or metoprolol is known to cause what?

Propranolol and metoprolol are beta-blockers that primarily work by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in the body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This action leads to a decrease in heart rate, which is referred to as bradycardia. In patients taking these medications, one of the common side effects can be a significant reduction in heart rate, leading to bradycardia, which may be particularly relevant in individuals with existing heart conditions.

Bradycardia, or an unusually slow heart rate, can occur because these medications reduce the conduction velocity through the AV node of the heart and decrease the automaticity of the pacemaker cells. This is an important consideration for healthcare providers when prescribing these drugs, as monitoring heart rate becomes crucial to ensure it remains within a safe range.