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Genetics Hold The Key To Predicting High Blood Pressure

Studies suggest that roughly one-third of adults globally suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, resulting in an estimated 10 million deaths annually.

While factors like age, ethnicity, and pre-existing health conditions can predispose individuals to hypertension, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy eating, reduced salt intake, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help reduce this risk.

A recent investigation by researchers at Queen Mary University of London has uncovered over 100 new regions of the human genome and more than 2,000 independent genetic signals that impact blood pressure regulation. Published in the journal Nature Genetics, the study examined genetic data from over 1 million individuals across various databases.

Lead author Dr. Helen Warren explains that while many genetic variants within the same genomic locus may be similar, there are also numerous independent genetic signals influencing blood pressure regulation. These findings underscore the intricate nature of blood pressure regulation, involving multiple biological pathways and genetic factors alongside lifestyle and environmental influences.

Utilizing these genetic discoveries, the researchers calculated polygenic risk scores, amalgamating the effects of all associated genetic variants to predict individual genetic risk for hypertension. Participants with the highest genetic risk exhibited significantly elevated systolic blood pressure levels and a sevenfold increased likelihood of developing hypertension compared to those with the lowest genetic risk.

Understanding the genetic underpinnings of blood pressure regulation can enhance the precision of polygenic risk scores, enabling early identification of individuals at higher risk of hypertension. This insight could lead to targeted interventions and closer monitoring to prevent hypertension-related health complications and alleviate the burden of cardiovascular disease in the future.