[Treatment of arterial hypertension].

Arterial hypertension is the most common internal disease. Treatment is highly effective in lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is indicated based on total cardiovascular risk as assessed by all relevant risk factors. Target blood pressure is <140/90 mmHg, or with concomitant diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency <130/80 mmHg. Lifestyle modifications are helpful, either alone or as an adjuvant to drug treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. First-line drugs are diuretics, calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors, AT1 blockers and beta blockers. In most cases, combination therapy is appropriate. Possible treatment strategies include stepped care, initial low-dose combination therapy and sequential monotherapy.