VAV3 rs7528153 and VAV3-AS1 rs1185222 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension.

The aetiology of essential hypertension is complex and involves both environmental and genetic factors. Approximately 30% of the inter-individual variability in blood pressure is genetically determined. It has been shown that numerous vasoconstrictors stimulate RhoA in local populations of vascular SMCs that, in turn, promote localised constriction of arterial blood vessels and elevations in blood pressure.