What condition should beta blockers be contraindicated for?

Beta blockers should be contraindicated in variant (Prinzmetal) angina because this condition is characterized by vasospasm of the coronary arteries. Invariant angina, which occurs due to fixed atherosclerotic lesions, can be effectively managed with beta blockers, as they reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. However, in the case of Prinzmetal angina, the use of beta blockers may exacerbate the vasospasm by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which can worsen ischemia during an episode. Instead, calcium channel blockers are typically used as the first-line treatment for Prinzmetal angina, as they help to relax and dilate the coronary arteries, ultimately preventing spasm.

In contrast, conditions like stable angina, myocardial infarction, and hypertension can benefit from the use of beta blockers, as they help to improve the patient's overall cardiovascular stability by reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing myocardial oxygen consumption.