What is the most appropriate initial therapy for a patient with hypertension readings consistently over 140/90 mm Hg?

The most appropriate initial therapy for a patient with consistently elevated hypertension readings over 140/90 mm Hg is often a thiazide diuretic, such as chlorthalidone. Thiazide diuretics are recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension due to their efficacy in lowering blood pressure and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events and stroke.

Chlorthalidone specifically has been supported by multiple studies and guidelines as it not only effectively decreases blood pressure but also has a long duration of action, making it a suitable choice for managing hypertension. Additionally, its ability to improve outcomes in patients with hypertension makes it a preferred initial option.

When considering other medications, they have their own indications and are used based on the patient’s specific health conditions. For instance, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and can be effective but is not typically the first choice for initial therapy without specific considerations like previous myocardial infarction or angina. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is also commonly used, especially in patients with diabetes or heart failure, but thiazide diuretics remain the cornerstone for a broader patient population with uncomplicated hypertension. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, is generally not recommended as the first-line treatment for