[Hypertension in the old age: how to treat it?].

Therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly are the well known basic antihypertensive drugs (Diuretics, beta-blocking agents, calcium antagonists and ACE-inhibitors). Choice is determined by concomittant diseases increasing with age. In the elderly patient the assessment of benefit and risk is particularly essential. Drugs should therefore not be installed without exact information of the patient and be started at the smallest possible dose. If tolerance is good the dose may be raised of prescription of an additional drug be evaluated cautiously.