Researchers have identified 29 genetic variations across 28 regions of the human genome that control blood pressure. Ten of the variations were found in unexpected locations, and provide new clues to how blood pressure is regulated. The findings may help predict the genetic risk of cardiovascular disease. Subjects with multiple variants had an increased risk of hypertension complications such as increased thickness of heart chamber, heart failure, stroke and coronary artery disease.
The study was conducted by the International genome consortium, which includes the National, Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The findings were published in the Sept. 11 issue of Nature.
