Right now the cause of approximately a third of all cases of high blood pressure (hypertension), are still a mystery. But that may change soon. An international team of scientists have helped to solve at least part of the puzzle – and the pieces connect to genetics. Hopefully, their groundbreaking discovery can enable researchers to develop new treatments for high blood pressure.
Scientists from 24 countries analyzed data from more than 200,000 people. The findings identified over twenty new sections of genetic code that have been linked to blood pressure. The researchers say they have made a "major advance" in understanding the role of genes. Uncovering this genetic basis of blood pressure has revealed processes in the body which could one day be targeted with finely tuned drugs. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, doctors recommend those with high blood pressure follow current recommendations: maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt and sodium in the diet, exercising and taking high blood pressure medication when it’s prescribed.
The groundbreaking study was published in the journals "Nature" and "Nature Genetics."
