Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What condition are beta-blockers primarily used to manage?

1. Diabetes

2. Hypertension

3. Asthma

4. Hypotension

The correct answer is: Hypertension

Beta-blockers are primarily used to manage hypertension, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. These medications work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility. This results in lower cardiac output and, consequently, reduced blood pressure. In addition to hypertension, beta-blockers also have other indications, including the management of conditions like heart failure, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. Their ability to reduce heart workload and diminish the oxygen demand of the heart makes them particularly effective in these cardiovascular contexts. While they can influence glucose metabolism and have been used cautiously in patients with diabetes, and although they are contraindicated in asthma due to their bronchoconstrictive potential, their primary role remains in the management of hypertension and related cardiovascular issues.