Genetics and genomics of systemic hypertension

Abstract

Since 2007 there has been substantial progress in mapping blood pressure genes, and large-scale genome-wide association studies now indicate over 400 genomic regions. The identity and biological function of genes causing monogenic forms of hypertension have also increased over this time. In this chapter, we describe the main findings from genome-wide association studies across different ancestries utilising different study designs, and discuss new candidate genes and biological pathways. The clinical utility of blood pressure-associated genetic variants are discussed in a genetic risk score framework, and the early results from epigenetic analyses of hypertension are reviewed.