What is the primary effect of antihypertensives?

The primary effect of antihypertensives is to control hypertension. These medications are designed to lower and stabilize blood pressure in individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure, thereby helping to prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. Antihypertensives work through various mechanisms, such as relaxing blood vessels, reducing heart rate, or decreasing blood volume, which assists in keeping blood pressure within a normal range.

While these medications can significantly manage hypertension effectively, they do not cure the condition. Controlling hypertension means that while blood pressure can be maintained within normal levels with medication, the underlying issues that caused hypertension may still exist. Therefore, ongoing use of the medication is often necessary to keep blood pressure controlled. The other options do not relate to antihypertensives, as they address different medical concerns such as infections or inflammation.