Patient is a 62 yo Caucasian male diagnosed with hypertension.  He has had a BP in the high 170s/high 80s for several months.  All labs have been normal.

What medication(s) would you initiate therapy and why?
What medication(s) would your choice be if the patient were African American and why?
For all medications discussed please discuss the medications mechanism of action in treating HTN.
For all medications discussed please explain the monitoring parameters of efficacy and side effects.

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