After 50 years of age, the aging process exhibits a characteristic rise in systolic blood pressure associated with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, resulting in a greater pulsatile pressure in the elderly. This phenomenon is due to increased aortic rigidity and to disturbed wave reflections. These mechanical alterations are modulated by genetic and environmental factors. Drugs may also alter the aging process, increasing longevity as observed over the last 30 years with drug treatment of hypertension.