Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

The preferred medication for a patient under 55 with hypertension is which of the following?

1. Beta Blocker

2. ACE Inhibitor

3. Calcium Channel Blocker

4. Statin

The correct answer is: ACE Inhibitor

In managing hypertension for patients under 55 years of age, the preferred medication is an ACE inhibitor. This choice is based on clinical guidelines that emphasize the efficacy of ACE inhibitors in younger patients, particularly those with no compelling indications for other medications. ACE inhibitors are known to effectively lower blood pressure and have additional benefits such as renal protection, especially in patients with conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease. They also tend to have a favorable side-effect profile compared to other antihypertensives, making them suitable for a broader range of patients. In terms of long-term management, ACE inhibitors can also contribute to improvements in cardiovascular outcomes. This aligns with current guidelines that prioritize their use in younger individuals who generally may not have structural heart disease or other comorbidities that would necessitate the use of alternative therapies. Other options like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can be effective but are not the first-line recommendation in this age group, as beta blockers may have less favorable metabolic effects and calcium channel blockers, while effective, do not possess the same renal protective benefits. Statins, while important in managing dyslipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk, are not used primarily to treat hypertension.