Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the first-line treatment for hypertension in patients with microalbuminuria according to JNC 7?

1. Diuretics

2. Calcium channel blockers

3. Beta-blockers

4. ACE inhibitors

The correct answer is: ACE inhibitors

The first-line treatment for hypertension in patients with microalbuminuria, as recommended by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), is ACE inhibitors. This class of medication is particularly beneficial for patients with microalbuminuria because they not only help to lower blood pressure but also provide renal protective effects. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which leads to vasodilation and a reduction in systemic vascular resistance, thereby lowering blood pressure. Additionally, ACE inhibitors help reduce the progression of kidney disease in diabetic and hypertensive patients by decreasing intraglomerular pressure, which is vital when microalbuminuria is present, as it indicates potential kidney damage. The combination of these effects makes ACE inhibitors the preferred choice for managing hypertension in this specific patient population.