Which medication class is commonly used to manage hypertension in surgical patients?

Antihypertensives are a class of medications specifically designed to lower blood pressure. In the context of surgical patients, managing hypertension is critical because elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular events during and after surgery. Ensuring that a patient’s blood pressure is well-controlled helps promote better surgical outcomes and minimizes complications.

This class of medications typically includes several types such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, among others. Each of these subcategories works through different mechanisms to reduce blood pressure and protect cardiovascular health. Surgical teams often prioritize the safe management of hypertension to promote stable hemodynamics during procedures.

Other medication classes listed, while important in their own right, are not primarily indicated for the management of hypertension. For example, antidepressants are used to treat mood disorders, diuretics may help in fluid management or specific conditions but are not the mainstay treatment for hypertension alone, and analgesics are aimed at pain relief. Hence, antihypertensives are the most relevant choice for controlling high blood pressure in the surgical setting.