[Genetics and hypertension]

Abstract

Monogenic forms of hypertension are very rare, but have a well-characterized heredity. Primary hypertension is very common with a complex and polygenic heredity. Primary hypertension arises due to an interaction between multiple genetic and environmental factors. Its heredity is unknown, although some candidate genes have been suggested. Intense research is ongoing and includes the use of modern genetics methods as genome wide association and linkage studies.