Which medication class is considered the first-line treatment for hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics are widely recognized as the first-line treatment for hypertension due to their efficacy in lowering blood pressure and their favorable side effect profile. They work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, effectively reducing blood volume and lowering systemic vascular resistance. This mechanism leads to a significant decrease in blood pressure levels.

Clinical guidelines often recommend thiazide diuretics as an initial therapy because they have been shown through extensive studies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They are particularly effective for treating essential hypertension and are often well-tolerated by patients.

While other medication classes, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors, are also effective in managing hypertension, they are generally considered secondary options or used in combination with thiazide diuretics, especially in patients with specific comorbidities or when blood pressure isn't adequately controlled with thiazides alone.