Jul 17, 2009 7:07 pm US/Eastern
Health: New Blood Pressure Gene Discovery
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Researchers at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research have discovered genes that cause high blood pressure in some African Americans. It's the first study of it's kind to focus on African Americans who have higher rates of hypertension.
Dr. Courtney Sill, the Director of Communications for the Coriell Institute says: "This is a huge finding. This has great significance." She says Coriell researchers studied DNA samples from over one thousand people.
"This is the largest study of its kind focused on hypertension and blood pressure in African American populations," said Dr. Sill. The researchers discovered five genes, which now paves the way for the development of new and better drugs.
"The importance of being able to treat and prevent hypertension is huge. So now having uncovered some sites in the genome that influence your risk for hypertension we can now target those sites with drugs." Sill explained.
Reverend Floyd White is already taking medications to control high blood pressure that runs in his family. He thinks this new research from Coriell will be especially important for coming generations of African Americans.
"I think it's exceptional," said Reverend White. "That's very exciting especially for young kids, especially for African Americans throughout the country, its exciting to know that there's research and data that can correct the deficiency, so i'm excited," Reverend White added.
Aside from the genetic connection, high blood pressure can also be caused by obesity. Some of the best ways to control it include a low salt diet and exercise.
RELATED LINKS:
Coriell Institute for Medical Research
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