What is the definition of Antihypertensive medication?

Antihypertensive medications are specifically designed to lower blood pressure in individuals diagnosed with hypertension. This is critical for preventing complications associated with high blood pressure, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. These medications work through various mechanisms, including relaxing blood vessels, reducing blood volume, or blocking hormones that cause blood vessels to constrict. The primary goal is to achieve and maintain blood pressure within a safe, normal range, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. This makes them a vital component in managing health conditions related to hypertension.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of antihypertensive medications: those that increase blood pressure would be counterproductive, stabilizing heart rate does not necessarily involve lowering blood pressure, and medications targeting cholesterol levels address lipid profiles rather than blood pressure directly.