Genetic information in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2006 Aug;8(4):309-16. doi: 10.1007/s11906-006-0070-3.

Abstract

Advancement in cardiovascular science should be measured by a number of new diagnostic and therapeutic options applied in clinical practice as a result of translational research. Hypertension genetics is a good example of such a successful transfer of knowledge from bench to bedside. There are genetic methods currently used as diagnostic tools in patients presenting with secondary forms of hypertension, including primary hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and chronic kidney disease. Directed treatment that corrects pathophysiologic abnormalities is available for several monogenic forms of hypertension as a result of uncovering their underlying genetic mechanisms. Progress in hypertension pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics brings closer a perspective of personalized antihypertensive treatment and gene transfer strategies, which, although still considered as innovative approaches, may soon become options to treat, control, and, possibly, cure hypertension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / diagnosis
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / genetics
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / genetics
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / genetics*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / diagnosis
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / genetics
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / genetics
  • Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant / diagnosis
  • Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant / genetics

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents