| • Encourage an optimal blood pressure of <120/80 mm Hg through lifestyle approaches |
| • Pharmacotherapy is indicated when blood pressure is ⩾140/90 mm Hg |
| • Women generally respond to antihypertensive drugs similarly to men but there are special considerations: |
| ACEIs, ARBs, direct renin inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid antagonists are contraindicated for women who are or intend to become pregnant |
| Diuretics useful in some elderly women at risk because of a decreased risk of hip fracture |
| However, women are more likely to develop diuretic-induced hyponatremia and hypokalemia |
| ACEI-induced cough is three times as common in women as in men |
| Women more likely to complain of CCB-related peripheral edema and minoxidil-induced hirsutism |
