Natl Med J India
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Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the elderly. With the increase in the number of elderly in India, hypertension is likely to emerge as an important public health problem. ⋯ Our findings emphasize the public health importance of hypertension in the elderly in Kerala at present, and point to a likely increase in burden of this problem in India in the near future. A National Hypertension Programme, targeted to meet the imminent public health challenge posed by hypertension seems warranted.