Which medication class is commonly used to reduce fast rhythms of the heart?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications that are specifically used to manage various cardiac conditions, including tachyarrhythmias, which are fast rhythms of the heart. These medications function by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. This blockage reduces heart rate and myocardial contractility, leading to a decrease in cardiac workload and oxygen demand. As a result, beta-blockers are effective in controlling fast heart rates, providing both symptomatic relief and risk reduction for patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.

In contrast, anticoagulants are primarily used to prevent blood clots and are not effective in managing heart rhythms. Antidepressants serve a different purpose related to mental health and do not have a direct role in heart rate control. Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid from the body and can help manage conditions like heart failure, but they do not directly address fast heart rhythms. This delineation highlights why beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for the specific goal of reducing fast heart rates.