Genetic polymorphisms influencing antihypertensive drug responses.

Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and its associated morbidity and mortality. The low efficacy observed with some anti-hypertensive therapies has been attributed partly to inter-individual genetic variability. This paper reviews the major findings regarding these genetic variabilities that modulate responses to anti-hypertensive therapies such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and β-adrenoceptor blockers.