[Arterial hypertension and its treatment in the aged]

The rise of arterial pressure in elderly and senile persons reflects morphological alterations in the vessels, the development of sympathetic hyperactivation and adrenoreceptor dysfunction rather than can be referred to compensatory and adaptation reactions of the body. The treatment of patients suffering from arterial hypertension should be aimed at preventing the development of fibrinoid arterial necrosis which may occur because of regular antihypertensive therapy and dyslipidemia correction.