Susceptibility genes for hypertension and renal failure.

The incidence rates of ESRD are rapidly increasing worldwide. In the United States, the increasing incidence rates of ESRD have occurred coincident with overall reductions in death rates from heart disease and stroke. In the United States, the predominant causes of ESRD are reportedly high BP and diabetes mellitus. Minority populations, particularly African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanic Americans, are disproportionately affected relative to Caucasian Americans. There is mounting evidence that inherited factors, in addition to environmental exposure, contribute to the development of ESRD. This manuscript reviews the evidence in support of genetic factors that contribute to the common, complex causes of chronic renal failure.