[Saluretics in the treatment of hypertension (author's transl)].

In a presentation of the treatment of high blood pressure with saluretics, the course of action especially and the therapeutic aspects of medical prohibition of salt in this indication are discussed in addition to referring to the pathogenetic importance of sodium for hypertension. Two phases of action can be differentiated in the lowering of blood pressure after saluretics. The antihypertensive action in the first (renal) phase is based on the reduction in volume of the extracellular fluid which accompanies the elimination of sodium and water, in the second (extrarenal) phase a lowering of vessel tone and peripheral resistance is responsible.