High blood pressure is among the most common diseases, and the drugs used to treat this condition are the most used medications worldwide. In this research, we investigated how genetic differences among individuals can affect the side effects they experience when taking medication to lower high blood pressure, also known as antihypertensive therapy.

The main findings:

• ACE Gene Variations: Changes in the ACE gene may increase the risk of several side effects from blood pressure medications.
• Bradykinin Pathway: This biological pathway is linked to causing coughs in people taking a specific type of blood pressure medication known as ACE inhibitors. Genetics may affect who is likely to have this cough.
• CYP2D6 Gene Variations: Differences in the CYP2D6 gene may be related to certain side effects like a slower heart rate and lowered blood pressure in people who take beta-blockers.

These findings suggest that our genetic makeup could play a role in determining how we respond to blood pressure medications and the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

However, the evidence that genetic testing can reliably predict side effects is not strong enough yet. Some associations have been observed, but the current scientific literature does not provide a clear answer. Researchers believe that a deeper investigation is needed to confirm whether genetic testing can be a useful tool to forecast and manage the side effects of blood pressure medicines.

The review also points out certain genetic markers that could be valuable in understanding why these side effects occur and potentially help tailor medication plans to suit individual genetic profiles. However, the science is not quite there yet; more research is needed to confidently use these markers in everyday medical practice.