Question

Drugs known as beta blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension. Given their name, what would you hypothesize is their method of action (be specific)?

Answer 1

Answer:

Blocking  

β

adrenergic receptors

Explanation:

Cardiac nerves are able to control heart rate by releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline into  

β

receptors located in the nervous sinuses of the heart. These substances affect the heart rate by increasing its intensity and speed, which eventually increases blood pressure.

Blocking those receptors would result in an inhibition of the rise of heart rate, thus avoiding hypertension