Which drug is considered a first-line treatment for hypertension?

Hydrochlorothiazide is recognized as a first-line treatment for hypertension due to its efficacy in lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular complications. Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide help relax blood vessels and reduce the overall volume of fluid in the body by promoting diuresis, which is the excretion of excess fluid through urine. This reduction in blood volume decreases the pressure within the blood vessels, thereby effectively controlling high blood pressure.

Clinical guidelines often recommend thiazide diuretics as initial therapy for most patients diagnosed with hypertension, particularly for those with uncomplicated high blood pressure. They are effective, well-tolerated, and have a favorable cost-benefit profile, making them a suitable choice for long-term management of high blood pressure.

While other options like metoprolol (a beta-blocker), lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor), and amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) can also be effective in treating hypertension, they are not universally considered first-line agents for all patients. The selection of antihypertensive therapy can depend on individual patient factors, such as comorbid conditions and tolerance to medications. In specific populations, such as those with heart failure or coronary artery disease, beta-blockers or