Which type of drug reduces cardiac output by slowing the heartbeat and decreasing the force of contraction?

The correct choice is beta blockers, as these medications work primarily by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors found in the heart and other tissues. This action leads to a reduction in heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and a decrease in the strength of cardiac contractions (negative inotropic effect). As a result, beta blockers lower cardiac output, which can be beneficial in conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and certain types of arrhythmias.

Beta blockers are particularly effective in managing patients with cardiovascular issues because they can improve heart function over time by decreasing the workload on the heart. By slowing the heartbeat, they allow for improved myocardial oxygen delivery and consumption, which is crucial in situations where the heart is under stress.

In contrast, diuretics primarily work by promoting the elimination of excess fluid and sodium from the body, which can lower blood pressure but do not directly affect heart rate or contraction strength. Calcium channel blockers primarily inhibit calcium influx into heart and smooth muscle cells, which can lead to a decrease in heart rate and contractility, but they tend to focus more on relaxing blood vessels. ACE inhibitors mainly serve to block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, resulting in vas