What types of medications are commonly used to manage hypertension?

Medications commonly used to manage hypertension include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers due to their specific mechanisms of action that effectively lower blood pressure.

Diuretics help reduce fluid retention by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys, which decreases blood volume and subsequently lowers blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which reduces the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. This leads to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.

Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and reduce the force of the heart's contractions, which lowers overall blood pressure by reducing cardiac output.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to relaxation of these muscles and lowering blood pressure.

Using these classes of medications allows for targeted treatment of hypertension based on individual patient needs and comorbidities. The other choices do not directly address hypertension management or serve different therapeutic purposes, making them inappropriate for this condition.