Large numbers of people carry a gene variant that puts them at risk of high blood pressure from too much salt, Scottish researchers have revealed.
The gene variant affects about 40% of people and is linked to the production of the hormone aldosterone, according to a study led by researchers at the universities of Dundee and Glasgow.
The researchers say the effects of the hormone are aggravated by a high salt diet – suggesting the gene may be responsible for the link between salt and blood pressure.
The findings have been reported in the journal Hypertension.
Researcher Professor John Connell, who is vice-principal of Dundee University, said existing drugs already target aldosterone.
He said: "It has proved very difficult to identify genetic causes of hypertension but this research shows that a gene variation that is present in around 40% of the population is a significant factor.
"It will also inform the development of other therapies that could affect the way that aldosterone is produced. We know that the effects of aldosterone are amplified by a high salt diet, so this could give an important clue to an interaction between a common genetic variation and the environment."
He added: "We will now look to carry out further research, particularly with regard to the importance of genetically determined variation in aldosterone in other forms of cardiovascular disease."
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