Final answer:
For African American patients, the first-line treatment of hypertension often includes thiazide-diuretics and calcium channel blockers, with lifestyle changes also playing a critical role in managing blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line treatment for hypertension (HTN) in African American patients typically includes thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers. These medications are effective at managing blood pressure and have been shown to work well in this particular population group. Thiazide diuretics help to reduce the volume of blood, thereby lowering blood pressure, while calcium channel blockers relax the blood vessels and decrease the heart rate, which also helps to reduce blood pressure. Although other medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs are also used to treat hypertension, they may not be the initial choice for African American patients unless they have certain conditions like chronic kidney disease or diabetes that make these other options more appropriate. It is crucial to manage hypertension effectively as it significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart failure.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended alongside medication to manage hypertension. These include adopting a healthier diet, reducing salt intake, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco smoke. For many patients, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is necessary to achieve and maintain a normal blood pressure range.