Final answer:
Hypertension can be treated with diuretics, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, Ca2+ channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers. These medications work by decreasing blood volume, reducing heart rate, causing vasodilation, and blocking the effects of certain hormones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be treated with several classes of medications. Diuretics help to reduce blood volume by increasing urine production. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers block the effects of adrenaline, which reduces heart rate and decreases blood pressure. Ca2+ channel blockers prevent the entry of calcium into smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, resulting in vasodilation and lowered blood pressure. Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers block the effects of norepinephrine, causing blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease.