A patient with essential hypertension was prescribed hydrochlorothiazide as a part of complex therapy. What mechanism of drug action facilitates a decrease in blood pressure in this case?

Answer options

1. Increased excretion of sodium ions and water
2. Carbonic anhydrase blockade
3. Increased production of angiotensin II
4. Decreased excretion of sodium ions and water
5. Calcium channel blockade