Final answer:
Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol, as well as calcium channel blockers, are drugs used to lower heart rate and blood pressure. They are particularly useful when the heart is deprived of oxygen, which can occur in conditions like heart failure or after a heart attack. Alpha-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics may also be used for similar purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The types of drugs that are useful in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, particularly when the heart is deprived of oxygen, are known as sympatholytic drugs, such as beta-blockers. These medications work by blocking ß-receptors involved in vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration, which helps in cardiac function improvement for conditions like congestive heart failure or post-heart attack recovery. Commonly prescribed beta-blockers include metoprolol, which is selective for the B1-receptor, and propranolol, which blocks ß-receptors more generally. Other drug types such as alpha-blockers can also similarly affect the sympathetic system.
Another class of medications includes calcium channel blockers which reduce the strength of heart contractions and are beneficial in treating arrhythmias and angina by decreasing the systemic vascular resistance, thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart's oxygen demand.
Moreover, drugs like ACE inhibitors and diuretics may also be employed to alleviate symptoms of cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure, especially when beta-blockers are not sufficient.