Genome Reveals Blood Pressure Markers
October 7, 2011| |
An international research consortium involving more than 230 researchers from different continents discovered 29 genetic variations that influence blood pressure. They analyzed the genomes of more than 200,000 Europeans, and 70,000 individuals of East Indian, South Asian, and African ancestry. They searched for variations in their genes that might correspond to high blood pressure. The genes that the scientists have been suspected to be linked to high blood pressure were confirmed. They also discovered new genes related to increased risk of hypertension. Individuals with many genetic variants were found to have significant difference in blood pressure compared with the others with few or no genetic variants.
Based on their findings, the researchers were also able to come up with a risk score for higher-than-normal blood pressure. The risk score is used as indicator for hypertension complications, such as increased thickness of heart chambers, heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
"This is one of the most important studies of the genetics of high blood pressure to date and a significant step toward finding better therapies for it," said Susan B. Shurin, acting Director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Know more about the study at http://geneva.usmission.gov/2011/10/04/blood-pressure-markers/.
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