20% ‘carry blood pressure gene’
Around 20 per cent of people carry a gene variant which raises the risk of high blood pressure, according to a new study.
New research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine examined the genetic coding of hundreds of people across the United States and Europe, reports the BBC.
Those people found to be carrying the STK39 gene variant were found to have raised blood pressure – or hypertension – compared to those carrying different versions.
Several genes have been studied for possible links to hypertension, but STK39 has been pinpointed as the most commonly occurring in those with the condition.
It is believed that one in people from western countries have high blood pressure, which often goes undiagnosed.
Dr Yen-Pei Christy Chang, one of the researchers, said: "This discovery has great potential for enhancing our ability to tailor treatments to the individual - what we call personalised medicine."
In other health news, a new vaccine that can prevent asthma-like symptoms has recently been developed.
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