What are the most effective treatments for hypertension in African American women?
Treatment of hypertension in African American women is essentially the same as it is for other people. Important lifestyle changes include increasing exercise, losing weight if overweight or obese, moderating alcohol intake, and eating a low-salt diet. Other dietary changes should include increasing potassium and restricting fat and cholesterol. Oral contraceptive use can occasionally contribute to higher blood pressure in women, and it may be necessary to use alternative methods of birth control. Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women seems to have little effect on blood pressure. Often, more than one medication is required to control blood pressure, one of which may be a diuretic (water pill). Some over-the-counter medications may worsen blood pressure or interfere with prescription medications. You should inform your doctor if you are regularly taking any over-the-counter medications. Ideally, you should have your own blood pressure cuff and measure your blood pressure
