Cheap blood test could lead to high blood pressure cure (UK)

A study undertaken by Cambridge University found that at least 10 per cent of the 16 million people who suffer with high blood pressure could be cured if diagnosed early. It focused on a specific form of the condition caused by tiny, benign tumours of the adrenal gland, a hormone-producing gland that sits on top of the kidney. If detected with a £15 test, scientists believe it could be treated through keyhole surgery. The British Heart Foundation described the research as "an exciting development" but said it would be dependent upon early diagnosis. The operation is most successful for those under the age of 40. However, the belief that the tumours are extremely rare means that the procedure is only carried out around 300 times a year. Professor Morris Brown, a member of the research team and an honorary consultant physician at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, said the number who could benefit could be around 30 times higher and called for men and women in their 20s and 30s with high blood pressure to be given the blood test