[Therapy of hypertension in general practice. Comments on the recommendations of the German Antihypertension League (author's transl)].

The morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular complications of chronic arterial hypertension are distinctly reduced by persistent and successful antihypertensive therapy. The principal emphasis is on drug therapy. Diet and psychotherapy should be used as supportive measures. Examples of antihypertensive drugs available for general practice: saluretics, beta-receptor blockers, dihydralazine (Nepresol), alpha-methyldopa, clonidine (Catapresan), reserpine and guanethidine (Ismelin). With mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure up to 105 mm Hq), monotherapy with a beta-receptor blocker or a saluretic is indicated first. Contrary to the medical rule never to use a combination preparation if it can possibly be avoided fixed combinations have proved valuable in hypertensive therapy and facilitate therapy for the hypertensive patient and for the doctor.