A team of experts in the UK has found a gene variant that might be responsible for causing a common form of hypertension or high blood pressure. They have also been able to find a cure for the same. They have said that an easy surgical method might be able to help patients suffering from chronic hypertension previously stop their medication or further therapies for years subsequently.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a quite common health condition that shoots up the risk of heart disease such as heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases if it is not treated properly. However, it can be managed with medication and other lifestyle changes.
Aldosterone manages the levels of salt in the body
Experts say that aldosteronoma is one of the most standard causes of hypertension. Aldosteronomas are small, non-carcinogenic tumors that are formed in the adrenal glands and can disturb the creation of a hormone known as aldosterone. Aldosterone manages the levels of salt in the body.
However, detecting Aldosterone is complicated, as the changing levels are not apparent without multiple blood tests of a patient at various times of the day. The authors of the study have found a gene variant in the nodules of the adrenal gland that might cause this issue. A gene mutation known as CADM1 impacts the protein of the same name, that averts communication between cells that halts the production of aldosterone. Eventually, the levels of the hormone shoot up leading to an increase in the levels of salt and ultimately it ends in the diagnosis of hypertension.
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Experts have said that eliminating one of the adrenal glands can control the imbalance of aldosterone and eventually can treat hypertension. After the surgery, patients have been able to stop their medication and other treatments for years, despite being diagnosed with chronic and drug-resistant hypertension previously. Scientists have said that the surgical procedure might be a boon for people who are dealing with this type of high blood pressure. Experts suggest 24-hour urine tests to assess variations of aldosterone. The findings of the study have been released in the journal Nature Genetics.
