Which class of medication is often prescribed to decrease myocardial oxygen demand?

Beta-adrenergic blockers are a class of medication that effectively decrease myocardial oxygen demand. They achieve this by blocking the action of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. This results in a decrease in heart rate, reduced contractility, and lowered blood pressure during exertion, all of which contribute to a reduced workload on the heart. By minimizing the demand for oxygen, beta-blockers help to alleviate anginal symptoms in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Calcium channel blockers can also help to reduce myocardial oxygen demand by causing vasodilation and decreasing heart contractility, but their primary role is more related to managing coronary artery spasm. Antihypertensives as a broad class target high blood pressure, and while they can indirectly reduce myocardial oxygen demand, they aren't specifically prescribed with that intention in the context of angina. Nitrates primarily work as vasodilators, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving anginal pain rather than focusing on decreasing myocardial oxygen demand directly.

Hence, beta-adrenergic blockers are particularly effective and commonly utilized in clinical practice for managing conditions associated with increased myocardial oxygen demand.