What category of antihypertensive medications causes vasodilation, blocks aldosterone secretion, and increases urine output?

The correct choice is ACE inhibitors. These medications work by inhibiting the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors lead to vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure. Additionally, they reduce the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention in the kidneys. By decreasing aldosterone levels, ACE inhibitors help increase urine output, thus reducing blood volume and further lowering blood pressure. This multi-faceted approach is why ACE inhibitors are commonly used in the management of hypertension and heart failure.

While beta blockers primarily work by reducing heart rate and the force of heart contractions, they do not significantly affect vasodilation or urine output in the same way. Calcium channel blockers also lead to vasodilation but do not directly impact aldosterone secretion or increase urine output like ACE inhibitors do. Diuretics increase urine output by promoting the excretion of water and electrolytes but do not have the direct mechanism of vasodilation and aldosterone blockage offered by ACE inhibitors.