Recent study has revealed the first common gene variants associated with an elevated risk of hypertension. Research team led by Christopher Newton-Cheh of the Massachusetts General Hospital's Center for Human Genetic Research studied the DNA of nearly 30,000 people.

The research team studied variants of two genes for these peptides -- atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Study showed clear relationship between three variants and higher levels of the peptides and, therefore, to lower blood pressure.

Newton-Cheh said that higher peptide levels lead to lower blood pressure because "these are molecules designed to let the body get rid of salt and relax blood vessels.

He added: "What distinguishes this study is the ability to genotype 30,000 people to establish a relationship that these gene variants cause higher levels of natriuretic peptides and therefore are related to blood pressure." Natriuretic peptides are compounds that help the body get rid of salt.

He said that the medical implication of the study is that "there are people out there who do not have enough natriuretic peptide, and they can be targeted to increase those peptides."