Antihypertensives are a class of
drugs that are used to treat
hypertension (high blood pressure). Antihypertensive therapy seeks to prevent the complications of high blood pressure, such as
stroke and
myocardial infarction. Evidence suggests that reduction of the
blood pressure by 5 mmHg can decrease the risk of stroke by 34%, of
ischaemic heart disease by 21%, and reduce the likelihood of
dementia,
heart failure, and
mortality from
cardiovascular disease. There are many classes of antihypertensives, which lower blood pressure by different means. Among the most important and most widely used drugs are
thiazide diuretics,
calcium channel blockers,
ACE inhibitors,
angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), and
beta blockers.