Research Article

Faiza Noureen, Hafsa Saeed, Qurat-Ul-Ain Haider, Misbah Hussain

Published on : December 2024 | Volume : 1 Issue : 2

Abstract :

Hypertension is most widely distributed chronic disease in all over the world and a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and morbidity. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Pathway is major hypertension regulating pathway. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene showing different genotypes has different susceptibility towards hypertension. The primary aim of this study was to explore how diet and genetic factors interact with hypertension and ACE polymorphism. A total of 116 individuals comprised of hypertensive cases (n=77) and normotensive controls (n=39) were included. Additionally, to understand association of diet, a semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The blood samples of all individuals were analyzed for ACE gene I/D polymorphism. Diet data were also analyzed for intake of sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Statistical analysis showed association between hypertension and diet, but the polymorphism was not found to be playing role in hypertension. It was revealed that hypertension was associated with gender and smoking habits as 31% of hypertensive patients were smokers while only 17% smokers found in normotensives. Gene diet interaction of hypertension and ACE gene I/D polymorphism was found to be not affected by high sodium salt concentration in their diet. Persons taking low magnesium, calcium and potassium in diet were found more prone to hypertension, irrespective of I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. It is suggested that other genetic and environmental influences might hold more prominent roles in the onset and management of hypertension. To validate and build upon these conclusions, further research with larger participant pools and more diverse populations is necessary.