Will gene markers predict hypertension?

Practical Help From Gene Markers It may be unrealistic to expect a pure monogenic (single gene) explanation for most patients with a disorder as common and heterogeneous as essential hypertension. However, gene marker technology can be combined with risk factor epidemiology to try to quantitate the risk of hypertension and sort out heterogeneity. We can hope to define several discrete gene loci and associated environmental cofactors to explain the multifactorial pathophysiology of essential hypertension. In certain individuals one or two discrete gene loci may play a predominant role (e.g., altered cellular electrolyte metabolism and sodium retention in some, familial dyslipidemia and hyperinsulinemia in others. In persons with a predominant genetic susceptibility, we might be able to specify the most influential environmental cofactors for prevention or treatment of that person's hypertension (e.g., sodium restriction in some, exercise and weight loss in others). Choice of antihypertensive medication might also be tailored to the predominant causal factors (e.g., diuretics for some, converting enzyme inhibitors for others).