[Novel guidelines for antihypertensive treatment. Proven and new].

Arterial hypertension is the most common internal disorder. Therefore, rational strategies in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are especially important. In the diagnosis of hypertension, basic and special diagnostic procedures are established, the former being restricted to few procedures. Basic diagnostic procedures should be applied to any patient with hypertension. Special diagnostic procedures should only be applied if basic procedures show abnormalities, if patients are resistant to conventional treatment or show any other signs suggestive of secondary hypertension. The basis of drug treatment consists of the following first line antihypertensive drugs: diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and AT1 blockers. Differential therapy is based on the condition of the individual patient. Rational treatment strategies include stepped care, initial low-dose combination therapy, and sequential monotherapy.