The purpose of the study is to test whether lowering systolic (top number) blood pressure will reduce cardiovascular or small blood vessel disease. It will also study how blood pressure control may affect memory and thinking ability.

Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are 55 years of age or older (also a subset of 75 years old and greater)
• Have trouble managing blood pressure, on or off medication
• Have at least one cardiac risk factor (for example, you are a smoker, have had a heart attack or heart surgery, have high cholesterol, or poor circulation in your legs)
• May have abnormal kidney function tests

You are not eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Have diabetes or have had a previous stroke

Study Requirements

• Participants must come to Duke for visits.
• The study will go on for five to six years.

Compensation

Blood pressure medication and health education will be provided.

For more information, contact Mary Furst, RN, CDE, MS, at 919-681-3574.