In a pregnant patient with hypertension and tachycardia, which type of drug is indicated?

• A. ACE inhibitor
• B. Calcium channel blocker
• C. Beta blocker
• D. Diuretic

Answer: (C)

Beta blockers address both high blood pressure and the elevated heart rate by blocking adrenergic stimulation of the heart. This reduces heart rate (negative chronotropy) and lowers cardiac output, helping to control tachycardia and hypertension in a pregnant patient. In pregnancy, other options like ACE inhibitors are avoided due to fetal harm, and diuretics are generally not preferred because they can decrease placental perfusion. Calcium channel blockers can reduce blood pressure but don’t target the tachycardia as directly. Therefore, a beta blocker is the most appropriate choice, with agents like labetalol commonly used for their combined alpha- and beta-blocking effects.