this book is the first in many decades to address aging as a risk factor, and claims a broad range of success, giving previously unsuspected explanations. most of the material here is outside of the usual range pursued in this active field during recent decades, and serves to open new avenues of inquiry into neglected topics. the mathematical treatment of the subject matter is daunting but rarely goes beyond the level of high school algebra. furthermore, it is not necessary to master the mathematics in order to gasp the biological principles. this book provides observations and insights that originate with this author, and much of this is new material not previously published. the topics addressed are chiefly the biology of aging, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes, including the microvascular features of these disorders. anyone studying these topics will find the book compelling.