What is one common medication used to control hypertension?

ACE inhibitors are a common class of medication specifically used to control hypertension, or high blood pressure. They work by inhibiting the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors promote vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which helps lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. They are often prescribed not only for hypertension but also for heart failure and to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.

Inhaled corticosteroids, while effective for controlling respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), do not have a role in managing blood pressure. Antidepressants primarily address mood disorders and are not effective for hypertension management. Anticoagulants are medications used to prevent blood clots and are not intended for controlling blood pressure. Each of these categories serves specific therapeutic purposes, but only ACE inhibitors are consistently utilized to lower blood pressure directly.