Final answer:
Hypertension is treated using a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, following a stepped care approach. First-line medications include thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is typically treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. The current algorithm for treating hypertension involves a stepped care approach, where medications are implemented when target blood pressure levels are not reached through lifestyle changes alone.
First-line medications for hypertension include thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications may be used alone or in combination, except for ACE inhibitors and ARBs which are not recommended for use together.