The older hypertensive

In this review the hypertensive status in older subjects is briefly examined from a diversity of angles: epidemiological/semiotic; pathophysiological (including haemodynamic/vascular, renal and neurohormonal features); components of blood pressure as separate cardiovascular risk factors in their own right, results of randomized trials comparing active with placebo treatment and comparing different active regimens (including diabetics as a subgroup with excessive risk); and, finally, modalities of treatment with a view on quality of life.