The characteristics of increased blood pressure and serum cholesterol, cigarette smoking, overweight, and diabetes have been documented as risk factors for cardiovascular disease among men and women in their middle years. A few studies have found that some of these characteristics operate as risk factors in older populations whereas the role of cigarette smoking and cholesterol is uncertain. The influence of hemostatic factors remains to be determined. The traditional risk factors are present in a substantial proportion of the elderly population. From the 1983 National Health Interview Survey, it is estimated that 21 percent of persons 65-74 years of age are current cigarette smokers. From the 1976-80 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of NCHS, it is estimated that 29 percent of persons 65-74 years of age are overweight, and 28 percent have a serum cholesterol level of 260 mg/100 ml or greater. From the SHEP pilot study, an estimated 68 percent of persons 65-74 years of age and 75 percent of persons ages 75 and over have hypertension, that is, systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or greater or a diastolic pressure of 90 or greater (based on average of three measurements) or are on anti-hypertensive medication. Isolated systolic hypertension is quite common in the elderly population.