1 in 5 could have high blood pressure gene
Tuesday 30th December, 2008
The study involved scanning hundreds of people across the US and Europe for their entire genetic code. Results of the study found a gene variant known as STK39 which raises blood pressure. In comparison, other versions of the gene had no effect on blood pressure.
Prolonged high blood pressure, known as hypertension, can result in serious heart conditions as well as strokes and kidney failure.
High blood pressure often goes undiagnosed with one in four people in western countries believed to suffer with the problem.
The STK39 gene produces a kidney controlling protein used to process salt – a major contributory factor in blood pressure.
The discovery is just one step to unravelling the complexities of high blood pressure as other factors such as genetics, lifestyle and environment play an important part to.
High blood pressure can be controlled with natural therapies. Learn more about the alternative medicine and complementary therapy methods that can help with hypertension here.