Data on the influence of antihypertensive drug treatment on mortality of hypertensive rats are reviewed. Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, verapamil, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril, and a triple combination of reserpine, hydralazine, and chlorothiazide normalized or markedly prolonged survival. Captopril was less effective in sodium chloride-induced, low-renin Dahl rat hypertension. Dihydralazine prolonged but did not nearly normalize survival. The K(+)-channel activator minoxidil was relatively ineffective. Data on diuretics or beta-blockers are insufficient or unavailable. Calcium antagonists nitrendipine and nimodipine and the ACE inhibitor captopril improved survival and prevented vascular lesions and calcinosis even at doses that failed to achieve normotension. All drugs that normalized survival also reduced heart weights. Minoxidil invariably increased heart weights and failed to improve survival. (Di)hydralazine assumed an intermediate position.