What effect might a patient experience when prescribed a beta-adrenergic blocker for angina control?

When a patient is prescribed a beta-adrenergic blocker for angina control, one of the primary effects these medications have is the reduction of cardiac output. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility. As a result, the heart pumps more efficiently and requires less oxygen.

This is particularly beneficial in managing angina because angina is often caused by an imbalance between the oxygen supply and the oxygen demand of the heart muscle. By decreasing the heart rate and the force of heart contractions, beta-blockers lower the demand for oxygen, helping to alleviate the symptoms of angina and improving exercise tolerance.

In contrast, the other options describe effects that are not typically associated with beta-blocker therapy for angina. For example, an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased oxygen consumption are generally opposite to what beta-blockers achieve, emphasizing the effectiveness of these medications in managing angina symptoms by reducing overall cardiac workload and oxygen demand.