The breakthrough could eventually end the chore for millions of swallowing a cocktail of drugs and be a boon for those who forget to take their daily medication.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often known as the “silent killer”, affects three in 10 Britons. If left unchecked it increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
A combination of drugs is usually needed to bring blood pressure down effectively. But there is now hope of a “vaccination” self-administered every six months.
Tests on rodents targeted angiotensin II – a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, forcing the heart to work harder.
The vaccine slashed blood pressure for up to six months while reducing damage to the heart and blood vessels.
Crucially, there were no signs of damage to other organs such as the kidney or liver.
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