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Home Industry News Genes associated with high blood pressure identified

Genes associated with high blood pressure identified

31st January 2017

UK researchers have identified a number of new genes associated with high blood pressure, a discovery that could inform future treatment of the condition.

The Queen Mary University of London team tested 9.8 million genetic variants from 420,000 UK Biobank participants and cross-referenced these with their blood pressure data. By doing this, 107 new gene regions with links to hypertension were found.

Many of these were expressed in high levels in blood vessels and cardiovascular tissue, with scientists believing they could be used as potential new drug targets for hypertension treatments.

Using the data, the researchers were also able to calculate a genetic risk score by linking health and hospital data with blood pressure genes, with the test proving viable as a means of predicting an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

Professor Mark Caulfield, co-lead author of the study from Queen Mary University of London, said: "These exciting genetic regions could provide the basis for new innovative preventative therapies and lifestyle changes for this major cause of heart disease and stroke."

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