For years, the researchers in hypertension tried to answer this question, is high blood pressure genetic. Now, it is definite. Genetic factors were found to impact blood pressure from early childhood, influencing the likelihood of cardiovascular issues later in life. The study conducted by researchers, including Dr. Karsten Ovretveit from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted that these genetic variations linked to hypertension can subtly affect blood pressure within the normal range but persist throughout one’s lifetime. The research examined gene variants’ correlation with blood pressure across different age groups. They showed that genetic factors play a role in blood pressure regulation starting in early childhood and continuing into adulthood.
High Blood Pressure Genetic? Study’s Key Points
- Genetic variations associated with hypertension can elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life.
- Lifestyle diseases often stem from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
- Researchers have developed a genetic risk score. It is based on large population studies to assess an individual’s gene profile influence on blood pressure regulation.
The study underscores the significance of large population studies in comprehending these influences on blood pressure regulation. It emphasizes ongoing efforts to tailor risk scores to diverse populations beyond Europeans.
How Many Genes Are Responsible for Blood Pressure
Data from the HUNT Study from Trondelag and the British ‘Children of the 90s’ study were used to compare blood pressure levels in individuals with varying risk scores. Higher average blood pressure levels were observed in those with elevated genetic risk from as early as age three, persisting into adulthood.
Quite a few studies were published on the topic of genetically determined elevated or high blood pressure in the recent years. They were reviewed here in the ‘Recent Findings in the Genetics of Blood Pressure‘. The findings of this review highlight over 500 SNPs associated with blood pressure. Also, it identified more than 32 genes linked to monogenic forms of hypertension. Despite high heritability of blood pressure (40%-50%), known genetic variants explain only a small percentage (~<3%) of the variation. A study in Nature Genetics by Ehret et al. identified 66 genetic variants. Also, the researchers who did this study came up with 17 new variants explaining ~3.5% of blood pressure variation.
Another notable article on the topic is ‘Genetics of Blood Pressure: New Insights Into a Complex Trait’. It cites the study that identified 66 genetic loci associated with bp, with 17 new variants not previously identified. These variants explained ~3.5% of blood pressure variation. The study used a large sample size. The scientists found that the effect sizes for systolic blood pressure were smaller for the newly identified variants compared to known variants.
New Insight: Genetics Mean More for Women Then For Men
A Cedars-Sinai study suggested that genetics play a more significant role in causing high blood pressure in women compared to men. The research was published in the journal Hypertension. It indicated that genetic causes of hypertension are stronger in women than men. The study emphasized the need for increased attention to hypertension risks in women. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 women and men. It confirms that sex-specific genetic risk traits are more strongly associated with hypertension risk in women.
