[Genetic disposition in primary hypertension]

Genetic factors are involved to approximately 50% in the determination of arterial blood pressure, and thus in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The genes involved, their exact number, structure and function, are still largely unknown. Methodological advances, such as, for example, greater emphasis on phenotypes, genetic cosegregation analyses in experimental animal models of essential hypertension, and the use of modern molecular biological techniques, lead us to expect a more accurate characterization of the genetic background of essential hypertension in the near future.