ACE inhibitors are considered first-line antihypertensive agents for which condition?

ACE inhibitors are considered first-line antihypertensive agents primarily for diabetes mellitus due to their specific benefits in this condition. In patients with diabetes, ACE inhibitors not only help lower blood pressure but also provide renal protective effects. This is particularly important since individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. The use of ACE inhibitors helps to reduce glomerular pressure, thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease associated with diabetes.

While the other conditions listed can involve hypertension, they do not receive the same prioritization for ACE inhibitors. For instance, asthma management typically involves bronchodilators rather than antihypertensive medications, and glaucoma treatment focuses on reducing intraocular pressure rather than blood pressure. Unstable angina pectoris is generally managed with different classes of medications that directly target angina symptoms and improve cardiac perfusion. Therefore, the chosen answer emphasizes the renal protective qualities of ACE inhibitors that make them particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes mellitus.