What is the best medication for hypertension?

Generally speaking, there is no single best medication for hypertension. Commonly used antihypertensive drugs include amlodipine besylate tablets, valsartan dispersible tablets, benazepril hydrochloride tablets, metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. The specific details are as follows:

1. Amlodipine Besylate Tablets

These tablets reduce extracellular calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells by blocking calcium channels, thereby lowering intracellular calcium concentration. This action relaxes vascular smooth muscle, dilates peripheral arteries, reduces peripheral vascular resistance, and ultimately lowers blood pressure. They are minimally affected by food intake and have a wide range of applications, suitable for elderly patients with hypertension, those with isolated systolic hypertension, and patients with stable angina pectoris.

2. Valsartan Dispersible Tablets

These tablets selectively bind to angiotensin II receptors, blocking the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II and its stimulation of aldosterone secretion, thereby lowering blood pressure. They provide stable blood pressure reduction with fewer adverse effects and offer good protection for target organs. They are especially suitable for hypertensive patients with diabetic nephropathy, proteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, or heart failure.

3. Benazepril Hydrochloride Tablets

These tablets inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing the production of angiotensin II. They also inhibit kininase II, decreasing the degradation of bradykinin, thereby dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. In addition to lowering blood pressure, they improve insulin resistance, reduce proteinuria, and protect renal function. They are suitable for hypertensive patients with chronic heart failure, post-myocardial infarction status, or diabetic nephropathy. However, some patients may experience dry cough as an adverse reaction.

4. Metoprolol Succinate Sustained-Release Tablets

These tablets block beta receptors, inhibiting myocardial contractility, slowing heart rate, reducing cardiac output, and suppressing renin secretion, thereby lowering blood pressure. They reduce myocardial oxygen consumption and improve myocardial ischemia. They are suitable for hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or tachyarrhythmias. However, heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored during use. These medications should be used with caution in patients with bronchial asthma or severe bradycardia.

5. Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

These tablets mainly lower blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion, reducing extracellular fluid volume, and decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. They have a mild and long-lasting antihypertensive effect and are cost-effective. They are often used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs to enhance blood pressure control. They are suitable for elderly patients with hypertension, those with isolated systolic hypertension, and patients with edema. However, long-term use may lead to electrolyte disturbances, elevated blood glucose, and increased lipid levels. Monitoring is necessary during use.

Hypertensive patients should choose appropriate antihypertensive medications based on their individual conditions under the guidance of a physician. Self-medication or arbitrary adjustment of drug dosages should be avoided. Additionally, patients should focus on lifestyle modifications, such as a low-salt diet, regular exercise, weight control, smoking cessation, and alcohol moderation, to better control blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.