The Research Progress of Monogenic Inherited Hypertension

Monogenic inherited hypertension, which is caused by a single gene mutation, generally conforms to the Mendel’s law, but its phenotype is affected by environmental factors as well. This type of hypertension is characterized by early onset (more common in adolescents), family history, severe hypertension, or refractory hypertension. It is often accompanied by abnormal hormone level and biochemical indicators, including low activity of plasma renin, abnormal potassium, and acid-base metabolization disorder. For adolescents with a family history of moderate to severe hypertension, hormone level (including plasma renin-angiotensin-aldoste-rone, cortisol, and sex hormone) and blood electrolytes should be measured and the detailed diagnosis should be determined according to medical history, physical signs, and test results. Currently, 17 kinds of monogenic hereditary hypertension have been clearly determined. Thanks to the development of gene detection technology, the diagnostic level of monogenic inherited hypertension has greatly improved and the pathogenesis has been gradually clarified. Our review mainly discussed the research progress in this field.