Which class of medication typically does NOT have a significant effect on heart rate in hypertensive patients?

ACE inhibitors primarily work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which decreases the production of angiotensin II. This action leads to the dilation of blood vessels and reduced blood pressure, without directly impacting the heart rate. Therefore, they are less likely than other anti-hypertensive agents to influence heart rate significantly in hypertensive patients.

In contrast, beta-blockers are specifically designed to reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility by blocking the effects of adrenaline. Calcium channel blockers can also affect heart rate, particularly the non-dihydropyridine class, which includes medications like verapamil and diltiazem that can slow down heart rate. Diuretics mainly help reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure through diuresis but can also indirectly influence heart rate under certain circumstances.

Thus, ACE inhibitors form a distinct class of medication that maintains a neutral effect on heart rate while effectively managing hypertension.