BLOOD PRESSURE AND OLD AGE

Abstract
A rise of systolic blood pressure is common after the age of 60. In a series of aged individuals, 42% had systolic figures regularly over 160 mm. Hg. Cardiac disease and failure; infections, and carcinoma often cause a fall in blood pressure. Marked arteriosclerosis, unaccompanied by raised blood pressure, is usually associated with poor physical condition. The raised blood pressure of old age is considered to be a form of compensation tending to prevent ischemia of vital structures.

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