T594M mutation of the β-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel in Ghanaian populations from Kumasi and London and a possible association with hypertension

We have tested 186 individuals from Ghana, 95 indigenous and 91 who have settled in the United Kingdom, for the presence of the T594M mutation in the β-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, which is associated with hypertension in black populations. The group living in Ghana had a mean age of 27 years and were normotensive, but had an increased frequency of the T allele compared to the London-based population. If this is reflected in larger studies, and the link with hypertension is maintained in the Ghanaian population, this mutation could be a significant cause of hypertension in Ghana.