Which class of medication is primarily used to manage chronic hypertension?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications that are primarily used to manage chronic hypertension due to their ability to decrease heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen demand. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to lower blood pressure and less strain on the heart. This class of medication is particularly useful for patients with certain comorbidities, such as heart failure or ischemic heart disease, as they can provide additional cardiovascular protection beyond lowering blood pressure alone.

The other options provided do not primarily serve the purpose of managing chronic hypertension. Antidepressants, for example, are used to treat mood disorders and have no direct role in controlling blood pressure. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are primarily used for pain relief and inflammation; they can sometimes increase blood pressure rather than decrease it. Anticonvulsants target seizure disorders and do not have a primary indication for hypertension management, further distinguishing beta-blockers as the correct choice for this question.