Private MD News

Researchers find possible treatment for high blood pressure

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A new anti-aging gene that was recently discovered by scientists may hold some clues as to how to better treat people for high blood pressure.

Principal investigator Zhongjie Sun took the anti-aging gene called "klotho" and found that by "increasing the expression of the gene" in tests, it was successful at lowering blood pressure.

"One single injection of the klotho gene can reduce hypertension for at least 12 weeks and possibly longer," Sun said. "Klotho is also available as a protein and, conceivably, we could ingest it as a powder much like we do with protein drinks."

According to the researcher, this is the first study that shows a possible link between klotho and reducing one's high blood pressure.
Though an actual treatment may still be in the distant future, people can still avoid developing high blood pressure by keeping their health in check. Many have used online lab tests to determine their cholesterol level.

Persistent hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase a person's risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and arterial aneurysm. It is also the leading cause of chronic kidney failure.