Linking data from the HDFP and the EPESE studies, the investigators examined change in blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, and mortality over a 15-year period. With regard to the association between lower blood pressure and increased mortality, they determined whether the relationship previously observed reflected a fall from normotensive levels as opposed to a consistently low blood pressure. With regard to the upper end of the mortality curve, they assessed the effect of antihypertensive drug treatment on mortality as compared to those with untreated hypertension. The latter question had particular public health significance because questions remained about the risk-to-benefit ratio of antihypertensive drug treatment in this age group. Furthermore, they also described changes in blood pressure in this population and medication usage patterns over time and correlated type of medication and mortality.