Genetics of Blood Pressure Variation (HTN) Study

Principal Investigators: Dr. Alan Shuldiner & Dr. Nanette Steinle

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common disorder that predisposes people to heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Understanding hypertension genes will help to treat and prevent these diseases in millions of people. Results from both the Amish Family Diabetes Study and the HAPI study show that a gene on chromosome 2 is important in regulating blood pressure. The unique characteristics of the Amish were instrumental in helping us identify this gene. This finding may help us better understand how the body regulates blood pressure and may provide new targets for the treatment of high blood pressure. We continue to look for additional genes that regulate blood pressure and to understand how these genes interact with other factors including diet, activity, tobacco use and stress.