Which drug class is typically the first line of therapy for hypertension due to their diuretic effect?

The first line of therapy for hypertension often includes diuretics due to their ability to effectively reduce blood pressure through fluid regulation. Diuretics promote the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys, leading to a decrease in blood volume. This reduction in blood volume lowers the workload on the heart and decreases vascular resistance, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Diuretics are particularly advantageous in managing hypertension because they often have a favorable side effect profile and can improve overall cardiovascular health. They are frequently prescribed as initial treatment because they are both effective and economical. Furthermore, certain diuretics may also have positive effects on other cardiovascular risk factors, such as heart failure and edema, adding to their usefulness in treatment protocols for hypertension.

In contrast, while the other drug classes listed may be used in hypertension management, their mechanisms and primary indications differ. Beta blockers primarily work by reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility but are not usually first-line agents for uncomplicated hypertension. Calcium channel blockers function by relaxing vascular smooth muscle but tend to be used when diuretics alone are not sufficiently effective. ACE inhibitors offer benefits such as renal protection and are often chosen for patients with conditions like heart failure or those with diabetes, but they are not the primary choice for initial treatment compared to