What effect do beta-blockers have on heart rate?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications that primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the body's beta-adrenergic receptors, which are found in various tissues including the heart. When these medications are administered, they lead to a decrease in heart rate.

This occurs because beta-blockers reduce the heart's response to stress hormones, which typically stimulate an increase in heart rate during situations like exercise or anxiety. By inhibiting these responses, beta-blockers are effective in managing conditions such as hypertension, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias, as they reduce the workload on the heart and its oxygen demand.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for patients who may be prescribed beta-blockers, as it helps to clarify the intended therapeutic effects, including improved cardiac efficiency and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.