Understanding the role of the hormone aldosterone could provide hope of new treatments to millions of people who suffer from high blood pressure, scientists from a Scottish university have found.

Researchers from Glasgow University who are studying the way the hormone affects blood pressure regulation found that, in older people, higher levels of aldosterone in the bloodstream is associated with high blood pressure.

In young adults, high aldosterone levels indicate a likelihood of developing hypertension later in life, the study found.

Professor John Connell, lead researcher, said: "Aldosterone is a key cardiovascular hormone. Through our research, we have discovered some of the factors that predispose you to having higher aldosterone levels. We need to build up a better understanding of how production of aldosterone throughout life is controlled.

"This could help us discover how to prevent blood pressure rising with age and allow us to target new drug treatments for high blood pressure."

Mr Connell, who leads the MRC Blood Pressure Unit at the university, is presenting the research today at the annual Society for Endocrinology BES meeting in Harrogate.

Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and acts on the kidneys to ensure salt in the blood is kept at a safe level.

However, it also has an important role in altering heart and blood vessel function. Too much aldosterone increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

The hormone plays a key part in regulating blood pressure and can affect how susceptible people are to developing hypertension.

Individual aldosterone levels are determined by various factors. People born with a low birth weight tend to have more aldosterone when they are older. Genetics is also influential: some people's bodies can control aldosterone more efficiently than others.

This means that, throughout life, certain individuals will have higher aldosterone levels and are more prone to developing high blood pressure.

Lifestyle modification and new drug treatments might then be targeted accordingly. The higher a person's blood pressure, the greater their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Evidence suggests aldosterone may be a causal factor in 10% of patients with high blood pressure.