Breakthrough: Cause and Cure Found for High Blood Pressure.

Researchers have discovered a gene variant in a tiny benign nodule that causes a common type of high blood pressure in one-in-twenty people with hypertension. The variant affects a protein called CADM1 and causes fluctuating release of aldosterone throughout the day, making it hard for doctors to diagnose some patients with hypertension. The researchers also discovered that this form of hypertension could be cured by unilateral adrenalectomy—removing one of the two adrenal glands. The discovery recommends aldosterone be measured through a 24-hour urine test rather than one-time blood measurements, which will reveal more people living with hypertension but going undiagnosed.