For a woman diagnosed with new-onset hypertension, which class of medication should therapy begin with alongside lifestyle changes?

Initiating treatment for a woman diagnosed with new-onset hypertension typically begins with a thiazide diuretic in conjunction with lifestyle changes. This approach is supported by clinical guidelines emphasizing the efficacy of thiazide diuretics in managing high blood pressure, especially in the general population. Thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure by promoting sodium and water excretion, which decreases blood volume and reduces vascular resistance.

Starting with lifestyle alterations, such as dietary changes (like reducing salt intake), increasing physical activity, and weight management, is also vital in the overall management strategy. However, when pharmacotherapy is necessary, thiazide diuretics are often the preferred initial medication due to their proven results in lowering blood pressure, their affordable cost, and their well-established safety profile.

In contrast, while other medications such as aldosterone antagonists, beta-adrenergic antagonists, and centrally-acting agents can be effective in certain situations, they are not typically first-line treatments for new-onset hypertension in women. Aldosterone antagonists are often used in specific cases such as resistant hypertension or heart failure. Beta-adrenergic antagonists are commonly reserved for patients with specific needs, such as those with heart disease. Centrally-acting