What class of drugs do diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARB blockers belong to?

Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARB blockers all play critical roles in the management of hypertension and heart failure. They are primarily used to lower blood pressure, which is crucial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, leading to a decrease in blood volume and consequently a reduction in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors, on the other hand, inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By blocking this pathway, they help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure without directly increasing heart rate. Similarly, ARB blockers inhibit the action of angiotensin II at its receptor sites, contributing to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.

While these medications lower blood pressure effectively, they do not directly increase heart rate, making the classification of these drugs as those that decrease blood pressure without affecting heart rate accurate. This differentiates them from other cardiac drugs that might increase heart rate as part of their mechanism of action.