What class of medications is usually the first choice for treating hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics are commonly considered the first-line therapy for treating hypertension due to their efficacy in lowering blood pressure and their favorable side effect profile. They work by reducing blood volume through the excretion of sodium and water in the urine, which leads to decreased cardiac output and lower blood pressure.

Clinical guidelines often recommend thiazide diuretics for the initial management of hypertension, especially in patients without significant co-morbidities. They have been shown to reduce not only blood pressure but also cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients.

While other classes, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers, can also be effective for the treatment of hypertension, thiazide diuretics are preferred as the first choice treatment in many cases due to their long track record of safety, effectiveness, and the overall positive impact on cardiovascular outcomes.