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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) sheds light on the significant influence of certain hypertension-related genes on blood pressure from a young age, ultimately increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. However, the study also offers hope, suggesting that proactive measures can mitigate these genetic risks.
Lead researcher Karsten Ovretveit, a PhD Candidate at NTNU’s Department of Public Health and Nursing, emphasizes the long-lasting impact of these genetic factors on blood pressure. “We are talking about really small differences, so small that they may fall within what is considered normal blood pressure. The problem is that they tend to last your whole life,” explains Ovretveit.
The study, which analyzed genetic data from large population studies, highlights the role of genetic factors in predisposing individuals to high blood pressure across all age groups. This finding is particularly significant given that heart attacks and strokes, often linked to high blood pressure, are major contributors to cardiovascular disease, which accounts for a significant portion of mortality in Norway.
Ovretveit underscores the complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle factors in the development of hypertension and related diseases. “Lifestyle diseases are often caused by a combination of heredity and environment. Diseases are often the result of not only one but very many genetic variants,” he explains.
To assess individual risk levels, researchers developed a genetic risk score based on the cumulative effects of various gene variants associated with high blood pressure. By identifying individuals at higher genetic risk, proactive measures can be implemented early to mitigate disease risk.
Using health data from the HUNT Study and the British ‘Children of the 90s’ study, researchers observed that individuals with higher genetic risk scores exhibited elevated blood pressure levels from early childhood through adulthood compared to those with lower risk scores. This difference persisted over time and correlated with varying disease risks.
Importantly, the study offers optimism by demonstrating that proactive interventions, including lifestyle modifications and medications, can significantly reduce disease risk even among individuals with a high genetic predisposition to hypertension.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of large population studies in understanding the complex genetic underpinnings of disease. Ovretveit acknowledges the need for further research to develop tailored genetic risk scores applicable to diverse populations and to unravel the biological mechanisms driving hypertension-related gene variants’ effects on blood pressure.
Ultimately, the study offers valuable insights into the early detection and prevention of hypertension, paving the way for personalized interventions to promote cardiovascular health and well-being.
