Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the first line treatment for hypertension?

1. ACE inhibitors

2. B-blockers

3. Calcium channel blockers

4. Diuretics

The correct answer is: Diuretics

The first-line treatment for hypertension commonly includes diuretics. Diuretics, specifically thiazide diuretics, are often recommended because they effectively reduce blood pressure by decreasing blood volume through increased urination. This mechanism helps to lower the overall fluid load on the heart, which can result in lowered arterial pressure. In managing hypertension, the recommended treatment is tailored to the individual patient's health profile, but diuretics are generally favored due to their proven efficacy in diverse populations and their favorable cost-effectiveness. While other classes of antihypertensive medications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, are also used in the management of hypertension, they are not typically the first intervention. Instead, they may be utilized in cases where the patient has specific conditions such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, or if they are unable to tolerate the side effects of diuretics.