Clinical Implementation of Blood Pressure Polygenic Risk Score
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
In a multi-ethnic population, a genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS) for systolic blood pressure (SBP), incorporating over one million common genetic variants, predicts blood pressure (BP) traits and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk factors. Delivering SBP PRS information to young and middle-aged adults with hypertension (HTN) and poor cardiovascular health (CVH) may enhance their motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve blood pressure control, and ultimately reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD). This randomized controlled trial will assess the impact of SBP PRS disclosure and theory-based genomic counseling on systolic blood pressure and health behaviors. A total of 300 adults aged 18-55 years will be enrolled and randomized to receive either routine clinical care or SBP PRS results with structured genomic counseling based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Participants will be followed for 12 months. The primary outcome is change in 24-hour mean SBP from baseline to one year. Secondary outcomes include changes in physical activity, diet, medication adherence, smoking, lipid and glucose levels, and body composition. The study will also evaluate how behavior change is influenced by health beliefs, including perceived risk and self-efficacy. This study aims to advance the use of genomic tools in hypertension management and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Description
This parallel-arm, randomized clinical trial is designed to assess the change in SBP following BP PRS dissemination and genomic counseling. Investigators will enroll 300 young and middle-aged adults (age: 18-55 years; 50% females; 50% non-White) with HTN \[stratified by race, sex, and SBP PRS group (high vs. low/intermediate)\] and poor CVH \[American Heart Association's (AHA) Life Essential 8 Score: 0-50\]. Participants will be randomized to A) routine clinical care (N=150), or B) SBP PRS dissemination (regular care + SBP PRS delivery and genetic counseling; N=150). After obtaining informed c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 55 years (inclusive) at the time of screening. * Diagnosis of hypertension defined by 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, as evidenced by Resting office systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130-160 mm Hg or Resting office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80-100 mm Hg or Current use of antihypertensive medication. * Poor cardiovascular health, defined as Life's Essential 8 score \<50. * Willing and able to undergo 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to confirm hypertension. * Able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular d…
Interventions
- BehavioralRegular Care
Educational brochures and lifestyle guidance on blood pressure control, medication adherence, physical activity, and healthy diet, provided at baseline only. No additional counseling or genetic risk disclosure will occur during the 12-month intervention period.
- BehavioralSBP PRS Dissemination
Participants receive individualized SBP PRS reports and structured genomic counseling sessions delivered by trained genetic counselors. Counseling addresses key constructs of the Health Belief Model, including perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits of behavior change, with an emphasis on lifestyle modification and medication adherence.
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama