What is a common first-line medication for hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics are commonly chosen as a first-line medication for hypertension due to their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and their established safety profile. They work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, which reduces blood volume and consequently lowers blood pressure. Clinical guidelines often recommend thiazide diuretics as the initial treatment because they have shown positive outcomes in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and are generally well-tolerated by most patients.

While beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers are also effective antihypertensive medications, they are typically considered second-line treatments unless there are specific indications for their use, such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, or certain patient characteristics. Thiazide diuretics have a long history of use and are supported by numerous studies that validate their role in hypertension management, making them the preferred first choice in many clinical scenarios.