Angina is a type of heart disease that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood for a short period of time. The inadequate blood flow is caused by narrowed coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Chest pain is the most common angina symptom that occurs (see Angina Symptoms for other symptoms of angina).

 

Metoprolol succinate is effective at treating symptoms of angina, decreasing the number of angina attacks, and improving exercise tolerance. It is effective at doing these things because it decreases the workload of the heart. This, in turn, means that the heart needs less oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to function properly at any given level of effort. Metoprolol succinate does not cure this type of heart disease.

 

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working; it means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should.

 

For people with congestive heart failure, metoprolol succinate decreases blood pressure and makes the heart more efficient, which allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. These effects of Metoprolol succinate cause decreased hospitalizations and loss of life from heart failure. This data comes from clinical studies in which metoprolol succinate was combined with other congestive heart failure medications, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and digoxin (Digitek^®, Lanoxin^®, Lanoxicap^®).

 

Is Metoprolol Succinate Used Off-Label?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend metoprolol succinate for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. Some off-label metoprolol succinate uses include: