What class of medication is typically used to reduce heart rate in patients with chronic stable angina?

The use of beta-blockers is particularly effective in managing chronic stable angina due to their ability to decrease heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system’s effects on the heart, beta-blockers help to lower heart rate, reduce contractility, and diminish the frequency and severity of angina episodes. This is particularly beneficial in patients with chronic stable angina who may experience increased heart rates during physical activity or stress, which can exacerbate their angina symptoms.

In addition to heart rate reduction, beta-blockers contribute to improved exercise tolerance and better overall management of angina symptoms. Their long-term use has also been associated with a decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease.

Calcium channel blockers, while also effective in lowering heart rate and relieving angina, are generally reserved for patients who cannot tolerate beta-blockers or have specific contraindications. Antiplatelet agents and nitrates serve different roles in the management of angina; they primarily focus on preventing clot formation and alleviating chest pain through vasodilation, respectively, rather than strictly reducing heart rate. Thus, beta-blockers are the preferred choice for reducing heart rate in patients with chronic stable angina.