[Medical treatment of arterial hypertension (author's transl)].

Important prerequisites in the treatment of arterial hypertension are presented. The mechanisms of action leading to reduction of blood pressure by various drug groups are described. Special emphasis is placed on side-effects induced by different antihypertensive agents which necessitate a combination therapy with diuretics. In addition a step by step approach in antihypertensive therapy is given with the aim of reducing side-effects during treatment.