Analysis of drug prescriptions in a geriatric hospital between 1988 and 1993 shows a high prescription rate for cardiovascular drugs (50 to 60%). Moreover, multiple prescriptions are more frequent for patients receiving cardiovascular drugs. The most widely prescribed drugs are coronary vasodilators and diuretics, followed by digoxin and calcium antagonists. The prescription of coronary vasodilators and ACE-inhibitors was clearly increasing over the last 6 years. Beta blockers are rarely used in very old people.