Which class of medication decreases heart rate and dilates arteries by blocking beta receptors?

Which class of medication decreases heart rate and dilates arteries by blocking beta receptors?

• A. Calcium Channel Blockers
• B. ACE Inhibitors
• C. Beta Blockers
• D. Vasodilators

Answer: (C)

Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors dampens the sympathetic signals that normally speed up the heart and tighten vessels. When beta-1 receptors in the heart are blocked, heart rate slows and the force of contraction decreases, which lowers cardiac output. Many drugs in this class also reduce vascular resistance, either directly or indirectly, contributing to a dilated arterial state. Together, the slower heart rate and wider arteries come from this receptor blockade. Calcium channel blockers work by preventing calcium from entering cells in the heart and vessels, which can lower heart rate or dilate vessels for other reasons, but their primary action is not blocking beta receptors. ACE inhibitors reduce the formation of angiotensin II, lowering blood pressure without any beta-receptor blockade. Vasodilators directly relax vascular smooth muscle to widen vessels, again not involving beta receptor blockade.

Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors dampens the sympathetic signals that normally speed up the heart and tighten vessels. When beta-1 receptors in the heart are blocked, heart rate slows and the force of contraction decreases, which lowers cardiac output. Many drugs in this class also reduce vascular resistance, either directly or indirectly, contributing to a dilated arterial state. Together, the slower heart rate and wider arteries come from this receptor blockade.

Calcium channel blockers work by preventing calcium from entering cells in the heart and vessels, which can lower heart rate or dilate vessels for other reasons, but their primary action is not blocking beta receptors. ACE inhibitors reduce the formation of angiotensin II, lowering blood pressure without any beta-receptor blockade. Vasodilators directly relax vascular smooth muscle to widen vessels, again not involving beta receptor blockade.