Which medication class is primarily used to treat hypertension and heart failure and may cause both hyperkalemia and cough?

ACE inhibitors are primarily used to manage hypertension and heart failure due to their ability to relax blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and improves cardiac output. They work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.

One notable side effect of ACE inhibitors is hyperkalemia, which occurs because they decrease the production of aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes potassium excretion; when its levels are reduced, potassium can accumulate in the bloodstream.

Additionally, ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough in some individuals. This is attributed to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can lead to the stimulation of cough receptors. This side effect is significant enough to lead some patients to discontinue the medication.

In summary, ACE inhibitors are uniquely positioned as effective treatments for both hypertension and heart failure while also carrying the risks of hyperkalemia and cough as potential adverse effects, making them the correct answer for this question.