What is one potential side effect of beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are medications that primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure. One of the potential side effects of beta-blockers is bradycardia, which is defined as an abnormally slow heart rate, typically less than 60 beats per minute.

This side effect occurs because beta-blockers inhibit the sympathetic nervous system's influence on the heart, reducing the heart's excitability and contractility. While this can be beneficial for managing conditions such as hypertension and certain types of arrhythmias, it can also lead to complications, especially in individuals who may already have reduced heart rates or underlying cardiovascular issues.

Other potential side effects of beta-blockers include fatigue, dizziness, and, in some cases, respiratory issues due to bronchoconstriction, particularly in patients with asthma or reactive airway disease. However, bradycardia is the most directly associated effect, stemming from their mechanism of action on heart rate regulation.