Which of the following is a first-choice drug for treating hypertension?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a commonly used first-choice medication for the management of hypertension, particularly due to its effectiveness, safety profile, and cost-effectiveness. It is a thiazide diuretic that helps lower blood pressure by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body, leading to a reduction in blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure.

Thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, are often recommended by clinical guidelines as a first-line treatment because they not only lower blood pressure effectively but also have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Their mechanism of action, which involves decreasing vascular resistance and promoting arterial dilation over longer periods, can lead to sustained reductions in blood pressure.

In contrast, the other options have different roles in antihypertensive therapy. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for its effects on heart rate and angina, while spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic often used in specific cases like heart failure and resistant hypertension rather than as a first-line agent for general hypertension. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, is generally not considered a first-line treatment for hypertension in most situations, as it may have