AEMCA Practice Exam

What are beta blockers primarily used to treat?

1. Only hypertension

2. Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, CHF, glaucoma

3. Only angina and glaucoma

4. Only arrhythmia and hypertension

The correct answer is: Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, CHF, glaucoma

Beta blockers are a class of medications that are widely used for various cardiovascular conditions due to their ability to block the effects of adrenaline on the body's beta receptors. They are primarily utilized to manage hypertension, which helps in lowering blood pressure. In addition to hypertension, beta blockers are effective in treating arrhythmias, as they help regulate heart rhythm, making them vital in preventing and managing abnormal heartbeats. Furthermore, beta blockers are used to treat angina, which is chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscles; they decrease heart workload and oxygen demand. They also play a role in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) by improving heart function and decreasing the risk of hospitalization. Additionally, certain beta blockers are employed in the treatment of glaucoma, as they help to reduce intraocular pressure. This comprehensive range of therapeutic uses supports the selection of the correct answer, which encompasses all these conditions. The breadth of conditions treated with beta blockers distinguishes it from the other options, each of which limits the scope of treatment to only one or two specific ailments.