Introduction:

Arterial hypertension in menopause is influenced by the decrease in estrogen that induces endothelial dysfunction and increase in body mass index.

Objectives:

to describe the physiopathological mechanisms of arterial hypertension in menopause and the currently recommended antihypertensive drugs.

Methodology:

We conducted a literature review in PubMed and SciELO databases using the key words: arterial hypertension and menopause. Results: There are no differences in the response to different antihypertensive drugs and both sexes benefit in the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with the reduction of blood pressure. The preventive effectiveness of cardiovascular complications with antihypertensive drugs does not differ according to sex and therefore the choice of medication cannot be based on this criterion in menopausal women.

Conclusions:

Estrogen deficiency induces endothelial dysfunction and increase in body mass index being the main causes of hypertension in menopause. All antihypertensive drugs are recommended at menopause.

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