A retrospective analysis of 5,088 hypertensives treated by our Outpatient Clinic, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Split from 1988 through 1990 is presented. Male sex was predominant (about 65%) and almost all the patients (over 95%) were overweight and the majority (over 50%) have had mild hypertension. Essential form was by far the most prevalent type of hypertension (over 95%), while curable forms of secondary hypertension were rare indeed (less than 0.2%). Diuretics and beta blockers, the traditional first-line antihypertensives were the most prescribed drugs (over 60%), while the share of ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists and alpha blockers was steadily increasing. General measures, such as body weight reduction, salt restriction or cessation of smoking, although obligatory part of the treatment and suggested to each hypertensive, are rarely carried out.