What is a common side effect of beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are known to slow down the heart rate, leading to a condition called bradycardia. This occurs because beta-blockers inhibit the effects of adrenaline on the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, which typically increase heart rate and contractility. By blocking these receptors, beta-blockers reduce heart rate and can contribute to a lower cardiac output. Bradycardia is often seen as a common side effect, especially at higher doses or with increased sensitivity in certain patients.

While the other symptoms can be associated with various conditions or medications, they are not as distinctly linked to beta-blockers as bradycardia is. Hypertension is actually opposed by the mechanism of beta-blockers, and dizziness could occur but is often not as directly related as bradycardia. Weight gain can occur with some beta-blockers, particularly with long-term use, but bradycardia directly reflects the pharmacological action of these drugs on heart rate regulation. Hence, when considering common side effects, bradycardia stands out as a significant and well-documented result of beta-blocker therapy.