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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA RESEARCHER RECEIVES AWARD TO EXAMINE GENETIC CAUSES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded more than $1.2 million to University of Virginia pathologist Robin A. Felder and his colleagues to study genetic causes of essential hypertension, or high blood pressure of unknown causes.

The research is looking for a genetic cause for high blood pressure or the propensity to develop high blood pressure. In addition, Felder will study salt-sensitive hypertension to determine why, in some people, a high salt diet causes elevated blood pressure or exacerbates blood pressure that is already high, while in others, there is no relationship between salt intake and blood pressure levels.

Along with Dr. Pedro Jose at Georgetown University, I recently discovered FJ1, a mutated protein that may provide insight into the cause of this elusive disease, Felder said. We will use the NHLBI grant to study the role FJ1 plays in the development or maintenance of high blood pressure. In addition, we hope to generate a genetic blood test that may yield predictive information for those with a family history of high blood pressure. This research could have a significant impact on reducing cardiovascular disease.

At least 25 percent of the adult population has high blood pressure. As much as 30 percent of blood pressure variability is thought to be a result of genetic factors. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack and end-stage kidney disease. Because people with high blood pressure generally feel well, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated until a serious medical problem develops. As a result, high blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this country.

September 24, 1999