Despite the impressive samples sizes and even more impressive P-values it should be noted that the effects of these SNPs on blood pressure are rather modest. For example, in Global BPgen the SNP showing the strongest association with systolic blood pressure (rs11191548, P = 7 × 10− 24) increases systolic blood pressure by 1.16 mmHg per major allele. Generally an effect of about 1 mmHg per identified SNP can be assumed which may have major implications for hypertension related cardiovascular disease in the population but minor implications for an individual. Nevertheless, these projects have clearly demonstrated the existence of blood pressure susceptibility genes with small but measurable effects. Most of the SNPs are located in genes that have not immediately been thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and it is hoped that these findings will improve our understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms.