What is the mainstay of treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension?

The mainstay of treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension includes both lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications. This approach is crucial because it addresses hypertension from multiple angles.

Lifestyle modifications play a foundational role in managing hypertension. These include recommendations such as adopting a heart-healthy diet (like the DASH diet), engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing sodium consumption. These changes can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Antihypertensive medications are also essential, particularly when lifestyle modifications alone do not achieve adequate blood pressure control or in cases of more severe hypertension. Various classes of antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and others, may be used based on the individual's specific health profile and any comorbid conditions.

Combining both lifestyle modifications and medication maximizes the chances of effectively controlling blood pressure, reducing the risk of long-term complications like cardiovascular disease or stroke. Therefore, this multifaceted approach is recognized as the gold standard in the management of newly diagnosed hypertension.