Hypertension in the elderly may be of the classical or isolated systolic type. The former is amenable to therapy, and reduction in blood pressure clearly decreases morbidity and mortality. Isolated systolic hypertension is an undesirable risk factor, but the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy for the problem is as yet unknown. Although various physiologic parameters change with age, diuretics, methyldopa, and beta-adrenergic blockers are generally safe in the elderly and are recommended.