Hypertension is a complex multifactorial disorder with genetic, environmental and demographic factors contributing to its prevalence.
The heritability of hypertension is often cited in the range of ≈30% to 60%, with multiple contributory genes; additionally, ethnic and genetic heterogeneity participate in variable clinical presentation and drug response in hypertension.
Genetic epidemiological studies have suggested that several genetic variants increase the risk for hypertension. It is likely that a number of genes rather than a single gene account for the heritability of this complex disorder.
Intermediate traits in physical, physiological/hemodynamic, autonomic/sympathetic, metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative, endothelial, and renal pathways displayed significant heritability, typically exceeding that reported for blood pressure itself.
A family history of hypertension is a risk factor for the person developing hypertension. Having one or more close family members with hypertension before the age of 60 means the person have two times the risk of having it also.
A family history of hypertension has been linked to other risk factors for heart disease and stroke. These factors include high cholesterol, high body fat, and being more sensitive to the effects of salt on raising blood pressure.
Hereditary hypertension
