How do beta-blockers lower a person's blood pressure?

Beta-blockers lower blood pressure primarily by reducing heart rate and cardiac output. These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors in the heart. When beta receptors are activated, heart rate increases, leading to greater cardiac output—the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. By inhibiting these receptors, beta-blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which reduces the overall amount of blood that circulates in the body at a given time, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Additionally, the decrease in heart rate allows the blood vessels to dilate more easily, contributing to lower resistance and further aiding in the reduction of blood pressure. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure), as it helps to alleviate the strain on the heart and the cardiovascular system overall.