Antihypertensive drug therapy in patients with African ancestry

Blood pressure plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Among hypertensive patients, those with African ancestry present with distinctive metabolic characteristics and cardiovascular profile. As a result, the need for individualized antihypertensive treatment strategy is of great importance. Lifestyle modifications as well as low sodium diet will play a major role in controlling blood pressure. The initiation of antihypertensive treatment with calcium channel blockers or diuretics is favored over angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or β-blockers, provided no specific indications for the latter drugs are present. Moreover, the need for combination treatment often arises. As a result, the effective and safe hypertension management of patients with African ancestry is of critical importance for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.