Genetic variations linked to hypertension have an impact on blood pressure from a young age, elevating the likelihood of cardiovascular issues later in life. However, there are actionable steps individuals can take to address this risk.
According to Karsten Ovretveit, a PhD Candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Department of Public Health and Nursing, the influence of these genes on blood pressure is subtle, often falling within the range of what is considered normal. Nevertheless, these effects tend to persist over one’s lifetime.
Ovretveit, along with other researchers, conducted a recent study examining the correlation between gene variants and blood pressure across different age groups. The findings revealed that genetic factors play a role in blood pressure regulation starting from early childhood and continuing throughout life.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes are frequently linked to high blood pressure, which ranks as Norway’s second leading cause of mortality. While the precise medical origins of high blood pressure remain unclear in many cases, research indicates a significant genetic component.
Ovretveit emphasizes that lifestyle diseases often result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. To assess an individual’s risk of high blood pressure, researchers have developed a genetic risk score based on data from large population studies. This score indicates the degree of genetic influence on an individual’s blood pressure regulation.
The study utilized health data from participants in the HUNT Study from Trondelag and the British ‘Children of the 90s’ study, spanning from birth to adulthood. By comparing the blood pressure of individuals with varying genetic risk scores, researchers observed higher average blood pressure levels in those with elevated genetic risk from as early as age three, persisting into adulthood.
The differences in blood pressure between high and low-risk groups remained consistent throughout participants’ lives, impacting disease risks significantly. However, proactive measures such as lifestyle modifications and medications can mitigate these risks.
The study underscores the importance of large population studies in understanding genetic influences on blood pressure regulation. Ovretveit notes ongoing efforts to develop genetic risk scores tailored to diverse populations beyond Europeans.
While approximately 1,500 gene variants associated with blood pressure have been identified, many of their biological effects remain unknown. Developing reliable risk scores involves identifying high-risk combinations of gene variants through rigorous experimentation.
The most accurate risk score method incorporates over a million gene variants, highlighting the complexity of blood pressure traits. Despite this complexity, these advancements offer promising avenues for personalized disease prevention strategies in the future.
