[Treatment of arterial hypertension in the aged]

The response to different therapeutic schedules in arterial hypertension in the elderly is studied and compared with response to treatment in younger patients. Blood pressure in the elderly was best controlled with non pharmacologic measures and low doses of diuretics; there were no differences between both groups with respect to complications and side effects. The response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is also evaluated, presenting good results on blood pressure control without side effects in the elderly, although efficaciousness was higher in younger patients. The possible therapeutic schedules in arterial hypertension in the aged are discussed.