Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

Which medication class primarily acts as a first-line treatment for hypertension by blocking angiotensin II?

1. Diuretics

2. Beta-blockers

3. ACE inhibitors

4. ARBs

The correct answer is: ARBs

The class of medications that primarily acts as a first-line treatment for hypertension by blocking angiotensin II is ARBs, or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. These medications work by selectively inhibiting the binding of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, to its receptors. This blockade results in vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and reduced workload on the heart. ARBs are effective in managing hypertension without some of the side effects associated with other medication classes. By preventing angiotensin II from exerting its effects on blood vessels, ARBs help to lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. In contrast, while ACE inhibitors also lower blood pressure by targeting the renin-angiotensin system, they do so by inhibiting the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II rather than blocking the receptors directly. Diuretics, on the other hand, help to lower blood pressure through different mechanisms, primarily by promoting the excretion of sodium and water, which decreases blood volume. Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and cardiac output but are not primarily focused on the angiotensin pathway. Thus, ARBs uniquely provide a mechanism of action centered on angiotensin II blockade