University of Virginia researchers found that looking into the several variations of genes that control blood pressure can predict the risk for high blood pressure caused by high levels of salt.

The research work, lead by Dr. Robin Felder will be published in the February 23 issue of the journal Clinical Chemistry.

The UVa research team hopes to fully develop the diagnostic method which is going to be one of a kind.

The researchers also determined that the increase in subjects' blood pressure and inability to eliminate excess salt from their systems was directly related to how many variations were found in the participants' salt regulating genes, a phenomenon called a gene dosing effect. The more gene variants, the bigger the health problems.

Except for a procedure in which diet is rigorously controlled over a two-week period, there is no existing definitive diagnostic test for salt sensitivity that exists at present.

Thus, the genetic test for high blood pressure and/or salt sensitivity that the UVa researchers are working on, will not only be instrumental in motivating people to adapt healthy lifestyles but may significantly reduce healthcare costs as well.

Source: University of Virginia Health System