What is a common side effect associated with antihypertensive medications?

Hypotension is a common side effect associated with antihypertensive medications because these drugs are designed to lower blood pressure. The primary goal of these medications is to manage hypertension by relaxing blood vessels, reducing cardiac output, or both. As a result, they can cause blood pressure to drop below the normal range, leading to hypotension. This condition can manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and an increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults or when standing up quickly.

The other options listed are not typical side effects of antihypertensive medications. While some blood pressure lowering treatments may occasionally result in minor fluctuations in glucose levels due to individual patient responses, hyperglycemia is not commonly associated with these drugs. Antihypertensives generally do not cause increased appetite or elevate heart rate as direct effects, as their primary function is to decrease blood pressure, which often correlates with a more stable heart rate.