Which medication class is commonly used to treat hypertension?

The medication class that is commonly used to treat hypertension is ACE inhibitors. These medications work by inhibiting the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, improving blood flow and decreasing the workload on the heart.

ACE inhibitors are often favored in the management of hypertension, especially in patients with concurrent conditions such as heart failure or those who have had a myocardial infarction, as they provide additional cardiovascular protection. This makes them a crucial element in hypertension treatment protocols.

While other classes like diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are also used in managing hypertension, ACE inhibitors are particularly notable for their mechanism that not only lowers blood pressure but also offers renal protection and reduces the risk of heart failure progression.