What is the primary class of drugs used to manage hypertension?

Antihypertensives are the primary class of drugs used to manage hypertension due to their specific mechanism of action aimed at reducing blood pressure levels. This class includes a variety of medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Each of these medications works through different pathways to help lower blood pressure and protect heart health.

For example, diuretics help remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, reducing blood volume. ACE inhibitors and ARBs work by blocking the effects of certain hormones that constrict blood vessels, while calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, leading to relaxation of the vessels. Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and the strength of heart contractions, also contributing to lower blood pressure.

In contrast, vasodilators are a subclass of antihypertensives rather than a primary category on their own. Analgesics are primarily used for pain relief, and antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, neither of which directly manage blood pressure. Therefore, antihypertensives are specifically designed and utilized for the treatment of hypertension.