New blood pressure genes give heart hope

THOUSANDS of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented after researchers discovered 500 genes that influence blood pressure.

The British-led global study, the biggest of its kind, increases the number of known genetic regulators of blood pressure to more than 1,000.

Scientists can now explain almost a third of the inheritable risk factors for high blood pressure, or hypertension, which affects more than 17million British adults.

It means those at higher risk of ill health because their genes are linked to high blood pressure could take steps to cut the risk before they show signs of the disease. The findings have also allowed scientists to identify existing drugs used for different conditions – such as diabetes – that may be repurposed to lower blood pressure.

The research looked at genes in more than a million people. Lead researcher Professor Mark Caulfield, from Queen Mary University of London, said: ‘This is the most major advance in blood pressure genetics to date.

‘We now know there are over 1,000 genetic signals which influence our blood pressure.

‘This provides us with many new insights into how our bodies regulate blood pressure, and has revealed several new opportunities for future drug development.

‘With this information, we could calculate a person’s genetic risk score for high blood pressure in later life.

‘Taking a precision medicine approach, doctors could target early lifestyle interventions to those with a high genetic risk, such as losing weight, reducing alcohol and increasing exercise.’

Professor Jeremy Pearson, of the British Heart Foundation, said that – apart from lifestyle factors linked to blood pressure – some ‘people simply draw the genetic short straw and must work harder to stay healthy’.

He added: ‘Knowing which genes cause high blood pressure may help us to spot the people who are at risk, before the damage is done. Those at risk can be treated – either with medication or lifestyle changes – potentially preventing thousands of heart attacks and strokes every year.’

The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, was funded by the National Institute for Health Research, the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation.