Which class of medications is commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure by promoting urination?

Diuretics are the class of medications that are specifically designed to promote urination. They work by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body through the kidneys, which reduces blood volume and, consequently, lowers blood pressure. This mechanism not only helps in managing hypertension but also alleviates symptoms of heart failure by decreasing fluid overload in the body. For individuals with heart failure, reducing excess fluid can lead to improved heart function and relief from symptoms such as edema and dyspnea.

Antihypertensives is a broad term that includes various drugs, including diuretics, but does not specifically denote those that promote urination. Beta blockers primarily act by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand, rather than directly promoting urination. ACE inhibitors help to lower blood pressure and improve heart failure symptoms by decreasing vasoconstriction and reducing fluid retention, but they do not directly induce increased urination like diuretics do.