Scientists identify genes linked to blood pressure
POSTED September 13, 2011 - 15:44 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Simmy Mishra on September 13, 2011 - 16:54
However, the role of many genes leading to blood pressure regulation remain unknown.
A team of international researchers have now identified common genetic variants associated with the blood pressure.
The researchers are optimistic, this discovery will pave the way for an early detection system and lead to improvements in hypertension therapy.
High blood pressure elevates the risk of stroke, kidney failure and heart attack among other conditions. It affects almost a billion people causing death to millions worldwide annually.
Co-author of the study, Professor Mark Caulfield from Barts and The London Medical School stated, "High blood pressure affects a quarter of the adult population in the UK.
"These new gene regions we report today offer a major leap forward in our understanding of the inherited influences on blood pressure and offer new potential avenues for treatment which is particularly welcome for those who do not achieve optimal blood pressure control."
Genetic pattern of 275,000 people examined
With the prime objective to identify the genetic variants linked with blood pressure, researchers analyzed the genomes in the DNA of more than 275,000 people in 24 countries.
The analysis revealed common genetic factors in 28 regions of DNA including 16 new genes that appeared to regulate blood pressure levels in humans.
The study found each genetic variant exists in at least five per cent of people, while the more common ones are found in up to 14 per cent of people.
According to experts, the presence of multiple variants is hazardous. The higher the number of variants in an individual's body, the greater is his risk of developing hypertension, left ventricular wall thickness, stroke and coronary artery disease.
The British Heart Foundation's medical director, Prof Peter Weissberg, said, "Researchers from across the world have now identified some of the genes linked to blood pressure control, which could pave the way for new treatments in the future.
"But your genes are only one piece of the puzzle. You are less likely to have high blood pressure if you stick to a healthy diet, do plenty of exercise, and maintain a healthy weight."
The research was sponsored by the Medical Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, and the National Institute for Health Research.
The findings are published in the journal Nature and Nature Genetics.
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