Tiny adrenal tumours 'cause high blood pressure'

Treating tiny benign tumours in the adrenal glands may prevent huge numbers of cases of high blood pressure, say researchers. The team at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital think that up to 10% of cases may be caused by the growths. Their study, published in Nature Genetics, said young patients could be freed from a lifetime of medication. The British Heart Foundation said it was an "exciting development". High blood pressure can have fatal consequences as it increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Most cases are caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet.