[Isolated systolic hypertension in the aged]

The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is age-related. Its connection with the demographic shift experienced during the last century, results in an outstanding role, mainly as risk factor for most disabling diseases such as stroke. Epidemiological research suggests a high prevalence of the disease and--since the cut-off for hypertension has been lowered by the Joint National Committee--figures of the problem are, at the moment, probably underestimated. Several studies provided reliable data about the role of ISH as risk factor for mortality, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Large clinical trials show that drug therapy has proved effective in lowering blood pressure and in preventing fatal and non fatal related events.