Final answer:
Hypertension without comorbidities is treated with antihypertensive medications such as thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, with B-blockers also playing a role. These medications control blood pressure by affecting various mechanisms such as blood volume, vessel constriction, and heart rate. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are not recommended in combination but may be used with other drug classes in a stepped care approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antihypertensive Medication Classes for Treating HTN
For individuals diagnosed with hypertension (HTN) without comorbidities, several classes of medications called antihypertensive medications are used for treatment. The first-line medications include:
- Thiazide-diuretics, which help reduce blood volume through increased urination.
- Calcium channel blockers, which relax blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries.
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), such as Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and Enalapril (Vasotec), which prevent the formation of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), like Losartan (Cozaar) and Valsartan (Diovan), which block the action of angiotensin II.
Additionally, B-blockers like metoprolol, which specifically blocks the B₁-receptor, can be used to slow the heart rate and reduce the force of the heart's contractions, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Medications are often combined to achieve better blood pressure control. However, it is notable that ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be used together. The selection and combination of these medications typically follow a stepped care approach, adapting treatment to reach target blood pressure levels.