Which medication is recommended to protect the kidneys in patients with hypertension?

The recommended medication to protect the kidneys in patients with hypertension is ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, play a significant role in managing hypertension and providing renal protection, particularly in individuals with conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease. They work by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the kidneys.

The protective effect on the kidneys is primarily due to their ability to decrease intraglomerular pressure by preventing the constriction of the efferent arterioles in the kidneys. This mechanism helps to preserve kidney function and slow the progression of kidney damage, making ACE inhibitors a preferred choice for hypertensive patients, especially those who have coexisting renal concerns. Their use has been shown in various studies to positively impact kidney outcomes over time, further solidifying their importance in hypertensive management.

In contrast, while diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers have roles in managing hypertension, they do not provide the same level of renal protective effect as ACE inhibitors. Diuretics primarily decrease blood volume, beta-blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility, and calcium channel blockers dilate blood vessels. None of these mechanisms specifically help