Use of gene markers to guide antihypertensive therapy.

Sequencing of the human genome has elevated the potential for genetic information to aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common chronic diseases. One beneficial application of genetic information is the identification of variants that influence response to pharmaceutical agents used to lower blood pressure and prevent target organ complications of hypertension. Knowledge of genetic variants that influence blood pressure response to antihypertensive drugs may allow more individualized tailoring of antihypertensive drug therapy, and provide greater insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating blood pressure levels and causing hypertension.