Genetics of Hypertension: What Is Next?

Abstract

Hypertension or an elevated blood pressure continues to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite intensive public education including lifestyle modification programs and the availability of safe and effective pharmacologic agents to treat hypertension, the treatment and control of hypertension is suboptimal. Over the past several decades, there have been tremendous advances in the use of genetics to prevent, detect, and treat human disease states. Despite these advances and an intensive effort, the application of genetics to the broad population with hypertension has not met expectations. This review will address our present understanding and use of genetics in hypertension and areas where genetics may impact significantly our approach and clinical treatment of hypertension in the future.