New genetic variants that increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure are published in Nature Genetics today. In response to the research part-funded by the charity, Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said:

"We have known for some time that our genes play a role in high blood pressure, since some families are more prone to developing the condition than others. The findings of this important study confirm that high blood pressure is due to the interaction of many genes, each with a small effect, rather than a few genes with a large effect.

"Understanding how some of these previously unknown genes interact to increase blood pressure may lead to new treatments for this major risk factor for heart disease."

Issued in response to a paper published in Nature Genetics and press-released by Queen Mary, University of London:

- "Genome-wide association study identifies eight loci associated with blood pressure" by Newton-Cheh et al. DOI:10.1038/ng.361

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information.

Source
British Heart Foundation