Which medication class might contribute to a patient’s sinus bradycardia?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications that can contribute to sinus bradycardia due to their pharmacological effect on the heart. These drugs work by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors, which are involved in stimulating the heart rate and contractility during times of stress or increased activity. As a result, beta-blockers slow the heart rate by reducing the effects of adrenaline and other stress hormones on the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate, which can manifest as bradycardia in some patients.

Patients being treated with beta-blockers often require monitoring for bradycardia, especially if they are taking higher doses or have additional conditions that could further lower heart rate. Managing and adjusting the dosage of beta-blockers may be necessary if bradycardia becomes pronounced.

In contrast, the other classes mentioned, such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and anticoagulants, do not typically lead to a decrease in heart rate and therefore are not associated with causing sinus bradycardia. ACE inhibitors mainly affect vascular resistance and fluid balance, diuretics primarily influence fluid volume and kidney function, and anticoagulants focus on preventing blood clot formation without direct effects on heart rate.