Women who take certain medications for high blood pressure are at a nearly 5% higher risk for heart failure than men. Women who take beta-blockers are at a higher risk of cardiac fatalities even if they have no history of heart disease. UPI reports the study outlining the risks was published Monday in the journal Hypertension. Beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol and propranolol help to reduce high blood pressure. They are typically prescribed for adults with hypertension, which is a leading cause of heart disease.