Final answer:
ACE inhibitors treat hypertension by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drugs that treat hypertension by preventing Angiotensin I from becoming Angiotensin II are called the ACE inhibitors. These medications work by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for the conversion process. As a result, angiotensin II levels decrease, leading to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure. This mechanism is the distinct from other antihypertensive medications such as beta blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers, each acting through different pathways to achieve blood pressure control.