Arterial hypertension is an important factor in kidney and heart damage. A change of lifestyle in industrialized societies may permit a decrease in blood pressure and reduced development of organ damage, but is difficult to implement. In the pharmacotherapy of hypertension, the presence of coexisting cardiovascular risk factors should be considered. It was demonstrated that increased urinary albumin excretion and even mild diminution of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are early, important and independent markers of cardiovascular risk. The reduction of albuminuria and prevention of GFR decline by using drugs blocking the renin-angiotensin system causes a decline in incidence of cardiovascular events. It is reasonable to treat the kidney in order to protect the heart.