Which medication is primarily used to control heart rate and treat hypertension?

Beta blockers are primarily used to control heart rate and treat hypertension due to their mechanism of action. These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This results in a decreased heart rate and a reduction in the force of heart contractions, which together lead to lowered blood pressure.

In addition to lowering heart rate and blood pressure, beta blockers can also be beneficial in managing conditions such as anxiety and preventing migraines. Their role in decreasing cardiac workload makes them a first-line treatment option for individuals with hypertension, particularly those who may also have heart conditions such as ischemic heart disease.

The other types of medications mentioned serve different purposes. For instance, calcium channel blockers primarily act by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart contractility, while antiarrhythmics are mainly used to manage abnormalities in heart rhythm. Anticoagulants, on the other hand, are designed to prevent blood clots and are not directly related to heart rate control or the treatment of hypertension.