Anti-aging gene lowers blood pressure

Posted on 2009-08-20 00:26:17 in Aging | Cardio-Vascular | Genetic Research | Longevity | Longevity and Age Management |

According to medical experts, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a contributinng factor in about 1/3 of all deaths in the U.S. annually. Researchers have now discovered an anti-aging gene that can actually lower blood pressure.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center researchers have found an anti-aging gene that may contribute to living longer by lowering blood pressure and its role as a risk factor in many heart diseases. A single dose of the gene, Klotho, can reduce blood pressure for up to 12 weeks. The research provides insight into how we age and how we can live longer.

Director of the Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging William Sonntag states, "If we can increase the health of people for long periods of time, we increase their ability to be active, and do things then we decrease health care costs. That's really a critical factor."

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