What type of drug is used to treat hypertension and acts as a calcium channel blocker?

The treatment of hypertension with a calcium channel blocker is based on the mechanism of action of these drugs. Calcium channel blockers specifically target the movement of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells through L-type calcium channels. By inhibiting this influx, these medications lead to vasodilation of the blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers also decrease the force of contraction in the heart and reduce heart rate, contributing to their overall effectiveness in managing hypertension. This dual action of lowering blood pressure through both vascular and cardiac effects makes them a well-established choice in hypertension therapy.

In contrast, beta blockers work by blocking adrenergic receptors, ACE inhibitors target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and thiazide diuretics increase urinary output to lower blood volume and pressure, but none of these options function by blocking calcium channels directly as calcium channel blockers do. Therefore, in the context of hypertension treatment through calcium channel inhibition, the correct choice is indeed the calcium channel blocker.