Which class of medications is commonly used to manage hypertension by blocking calcium channels?

Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications specifically designed to manage hypertension by blocking calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. By inhibiting calcium entry into cells, these medications cause relaxation of blood vessels, leading to decreased vascular resistance and lowered blood pressure. Additionally, they can help reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility, which further contributes to their effectiveness in managing hypertension and certain cardiac conditions.

In contrast, other classes of medications listed have different mechanisms of action. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta-1 adrenergic blockers primarily reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which can lower blood pressure indirectly. Alpha-2 agonists decrease sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, resulting in lower blood pressure, but they do not directly block calcium channels.

Thus, calcium channel blockers are unique in their direct role in managing hypertension through the blockade of calcium channels, making this class the most suitable answer for the question.