11 New DNA Sequence Variants may Affect Blood Pressure

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have recently discovered 11 new DNA sequence variances found in our genes that influence both heart disease and high blood pressure.

For this international study, researchers examined the DNA of 87,736 people who discovered genetic variants that are associated with blood pressure traits. Background information from the study notes that validation sequence variants were also performed in 68,368 individuals who led an identification analysis of 11 new genes.

Statistics show that worldwide, high blood pressure is responsible for the death of 7.5 million individuals, making up approximately 12.8 percent of the total deaths.

"Discovering these new genetic variants provides vital insight into how the body regulates blood pressure," said Patricia Munroe, professor of Molecular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, via a press release. "With further research, we are hopeful it could lead to the development of new treatments for treating blood pressure and heart disease - a leading cause of death worldwide."

Michael Barnes, Director of Bioinformatics, Barts and The London NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London, also commented, courtesy of the release. 

"By highlighting several existing drugs that target proteins which influence blood pressure regulation, our study creates a very real opportunity to fast-track new therapies for hypertension into the clinic."

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More information regarding the study can be found via the American Journal of Human Genetics.