Final answer:
ACE inhibitors are likely prescribed for patients with a diastolic blood pressure greater than 100 mmHg. These drugs work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, thus lowering blood pressure. Other antihypertensive medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has a diastolic blood pressure greater than 100 mmHg, a physician might consider prescribing a class of medications known as ACE inhibitors. These drugs block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure. By inhibiting this conversion, ACE inhibitors help to lower blood pressure levels.
Other classes of antihypertensive medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. Each class works differently and may be prescribed based on the individual's specific health profile and the presence of other conditions. For instance, beta-blockers reduce heart rate and cardiac output, calcium channel blockers relax blood vessel walls, and diuretics help eliminate excess salt and water from the body.
It is essential that the selection and prescription of these medications be done by a healthcare professional who can evaluate the patient's overall health and potential underlying causes of high blood pressure and who will monitor for effectiveness and side effects.