Gene Linked to High Blood Pressure Discovered

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The gene they found plays a role in blood pressure, because "it regulates the amount of sodium in your body," Chang said. Higher levels of sodium mean greater blood volume and higher blood pressure, she said.

It's not clear how great a role STK39 plays in the overall picture of high blood pressure or how important it might be in treatment of the condition, said Dr. Richard S. Cooper, professor and chairman of preventive medicine at Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine in suburban Chicago, and another member of the research team.

"At this point, what is important is really a question of what it leads to next," Cooper said. "It is not a major determinant of blood pressure. We are trying to figure out in greater detail what the physiology of it is."

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In such genetic studies, there are "two dimensions," Cooper said. "How does it work, and what is the science involved? Is there any way to act on it clinically? Many steps must be taken to determine that."

More information

The dangers of high blood pressure and how to avoid them are described by the American Heart Association.

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