Genetic Links to Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness
Author Information
Author(s): Levy Daniel, Larson Martin G, Benjamin Emelia J, Newton-Cheh Christopher, Wang Thomas J, Hwang Shih-Jen, Vasan Ramachandran S, Mitchell Gary F
Primary Institution: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Hypothesis
What genetic factors are associated with blood pressure and arterial stiffness?
Conclusion
The study found several genetic variants associated with blood pressure and arterial stiffness, but none reached genome-wide significance.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven SNPs yielded p values < 10-5 for blood pressure phenotypes.
- The lowest p-values for SBP and DBP were rs10493340 (p = 1.7 × 10-6) and rs1963982 (p = 3.3 × 10-6).
- Five SNPs had p values < 10-5 for arterial stiffness phenotypes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how our genes might affect blood pressure and how stiff our arteries are. They found some clues, but more research is needed to be sure.
Methodology
The study analyzed genome-wide SNP associations with blood pressure and arterial stiffness in Framingham Heart Study participants using generalized estimating equations.
Limitations
None of the associations attained genome-wide significance, indicating that findings may be due to chance.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 52 years, 54% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 10-5 for several SNPs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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