What is the effect of a beta-blocker on heart rate?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications that primarily block the action of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-adrenergic receptors. One of the key physiological effects of beta-blockers is the reduction of heart rate. They achieve this by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system's stimulation of the heart, leading to a decrease in the force of heart contractions and the overall workload of the heart. This is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and certain types of arrhythmias, as it helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the frequency of heartbeats.

By blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors found primarily in the heart, beta-blockers effectively slow down the heart rate, which can help to manage stress on the heart and improve outcomes in various cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is that beta-blockers decrease heart rate, aligning with their therapeutic intent in managing cardiovascular health.