High blood pressure is the largest cause of death worldwide and is called ‘the Silent Killer’. It is thus very important to keep your BP under control. The test is useful for the most common classes of blood pressure lowering medicines such as beta-blockers and diuretics. Long term use of beta-blockers can further lead to diabetes. Only some people respond well to certain classes of BP drugs based on their genetic makeup. The report will predict your response to anti-BP medicines and suggest suitable courses of therapy in terms of which drugs, dosage or alternatives may be effective in controlling your BP.
Science
Genes tested: ADRB1 and NEDD4L
Common mutations in the above genes affect 1 in 2 people – this is so frequent that the popular BP lowering medicines prove to be ineffective in these people. This is because, these mutations affect the exact pathway that’s also targeted by the drugs. In effect, the BP is not properly regulated as the medicine is of no benefit to them. Identifying these mutations is thus critical in guiding appropriate anti-hypertensives for people with high blood pressure.
References
Dahlberg J et al. 2014, Journal of Hypertension
McDonough CW et al. 2013, Journal of Hypertension
Fiuzat M et al. 2013, European Journal of Heart Failure
Wang H et al. 2013, Molecular Biology Reports
Patrik SF et al. 2011, Journal of Hypertension
Luo F et al. 2009, Hypertension
Chen L et al. 2007, Pharmacogenetics and Genomics
Liggett SB et al. 2006, Proceedings of National Academy of Science of USA
