New findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week points to a gene that may be present in 20% of caucasians with high blood pressure. The STK39 gene directs the production of a protein that controls how kidneys process salt – a key factor in blood pressure fluctuation. When the body retains too much salt it also retains water, which is why those with hypertension are always advised to eat a low salt diet. Although this discovery will likely lead to new treatments, hypertension is a complex disease that can have many contributing factors – family history, diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, just to name a few. So as you can see, even if you don’t have the STK39 gene there are plenty of ways to get hypertension. And if you do have the gene there are likely other risk factors which you can do something about.
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Tags: caucasian, gene, high blood pressure, hypertension, kidney, obesity, salt, STK39
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
December 31st, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I am on hemo dialysis and have lost 40 lbs in the last 5 or 6 months. can you give me a clue why. my blodwork is ok and I am eating pretty good.
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:37 am
The statement indicates, “New findings…” How long have we known about this gene?
My sister was on hemo dialysis after being diabetic for 44 years. She had two kidney transplants. It was devastating on her body and I think at age 51, she just got tired out.
I really believe length of health is related to diabetic compliance.