Which medication is commonly used as a first-line treatment for hypertension?

Lisinopril is commonly used as a first-line treatment for hypertension because it is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are well-established in managing high blood pressure due to their effectiveness in relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. They also provide additional benefits, such as improving outcomes in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Research and clinical guidelines often recommend ACE inhibitors like lisinopril as a first-line therapy for individuals with hypertension due to their positive impact on cardiovascular health and their ability to help protect kidney function, particularly in patients with diabetes or other risk factors. Furthermore, they tend to have a favorable side effect profile compared to other antihypertensives.

In contrast, the other medications listed serve different primary purposes. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, is also used to treat hypertension but is not usually the first choice due to its association with potential adverse effects like increased fatigue and limited cardioprotective benefits compared to ACE inhibitors. Furosemide is a loop diuretic primarily used for conditions such as heart failure and fluid overload rather than as a first-line treatment for hypertension. Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol rather than to lower blood pressure