Which class of drugs is known to lower both sub-maximal and maximal heart rate?

Beta blockers are a class of medications that are primarily used to manage various cardiovascular conditions. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. This leads to a reduction in heart rate and contractility.

When beta blockers are administered, both sub-maximal (the heart rate achieved during activities that are less than maximal effort) and maximal heart rates (the highest heart rate someone can achieve during intense exercise) are lowered. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as hypertension or heart failure, as it helps to reduce the workload on the heart and improve overall cardiovascular efficiency.

In contrast, other classes of drugs, such as antiarrhythmics, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, have different mechanisms of action and effects on heart rate. Antiarrhythmics primarily aim to correct irregular heart rhythms rather than directly lower heart rate. ACE inhibitors work mainly on blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system but do not have a direct effect on heart rate. Diuretics are used to manage fluid retention and blood pressure, but their primary action does not involve the reduction of heart rate. Therefore, beta blockers are distinct in their ability to effectively lower both sub-maximal and maximal