Which drug class is primarily used to manage hypertension by reducing heart rate?

The primary drug class used to manage hypertension by reducing heart rate is beta-blockers. These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the beta-adrenergic receptors located in the heart. As a result, beta-blockers decrease the heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart muscle, which ultimately reduces cardiac output. This mechanism of action is particularly useful in lowering blood pressure and can also benefit patients with co-existing conditions like heart failure or ischemic heart disease.

While ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are important classes in hypertension management, they operate through different mechanisms. ACE inhibitors primarily work by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood volume. Calcium channel blockers reduce vascular resistance by inhibiting calcium influx, leading to arterial dilation, and may also decrease heart rate, but their primary action is on vascular smooth muscle. Diuretics help manage hypertension by promoting the excretion of sodium and water, thereby reducing blood volume but do not have a direct effect on heart rate.

Hence, beta-blockers stand out as the preferred choice for reducing heart rate in the management of hypertension.