A 34-Year-Old Woman Has Recurrent Throbbing Headaches That Occur Several

A 34-year-old woman has recurrent throbbing headaches that occur several times a month and cause significant distress.  They are accompanied by nausea and photophobia.  She has had 5 emergency department visits for these headaches over the last 6 months.  During office visits, her blood pressure ranges from 140/90 mm Hg to 150/95 mm Hg.  Neurologic examination is unremarkable.  The patient is prescribed metoprolol and is advised that the medication is expected to decrease the frequency of headaches and also lower blood pressure in the long term.  Which of the following best explains this medication's effect on blood pressure?

A) Decreased level of circulating catecholamines
B) Decreased level of circulating renin
C) Increased atrioventricular nodal conduction rate
D) Increased renal sodium and water retention
E) Long-term increase in peripheral vascular resistance

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