[Pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of isolated systolic arterial hypertension in the elderly].

Isolated systolic arterial hypertension (ISAH) is encountered in more than 20% of elderly patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Changes of elastic properties of large arterial vessels are an essensial pathogenetic factor of AH in the elderly. Tiaside and non-tiaside diuretics, long-acting dihydropiridine calcium antagonists are drugs of choice for treatment of AH and ISAH in the elderly.