Curable cause for some cases of high blood pressure

Five per cent of high blood pressure cases are caused by small nodules on hormone gland; now scientists have developed a scan which enables rapid diagnosis. This tremendous collaboration illustrates how gene technology can be used to identify specific causes for common diseases which can now be cured rather than requiring life-long drug treatment. Morris Brown, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge Scientists have identified small, benign nodules in the hormone-producing adrenal gland which commonly cause high blood pressure (hypertension). If diagnosed at a young age, the nodules (small tumours) can be easily removed - avoiding the need for a life-time of blood pressure drugs. The research was published today, 04 August, . Since the discovery of the adrenal gland hormone, aldosterone, at the Middlesex Hospital, London in the 1950's, adrenal tumours have been recognised as a rare cause of hypertension (diagnosed in fewer than 1 in 100 patients). Aldosterone stimulates the kidneys to retain more salt than is good for the body, and drives up blood pressure.