Which type of medication is recommended as the initial agent for the treatment of hypertension?

Diuretics are recommended as the initial agent for the treatment of hypertension because they are effective in reducing blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium and water from the body, leading to a decrease in blood volume. This reduction in blood volume helps to lower the overall pressure in the arteries. Thiazide diuretics, in particular, have been shown to not only control hypertension but also to reduce cardiovascular risk in many patients.

While the other classes of medications, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors, can be effective treatments for hypertension, they are generally considered as alternative options or adjuncts rather than first-line therapy for most patients. Diuretics are often favored as initial treatment due to their established efficacy and favorable long-term outcomes in a broad population of hypertensive patients.