Secondary hypertension
| Secondary hypertension | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Secondary high blood pressure |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, heart failure |
| Onset | Varies depending on underlying cause |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Kidney disease, endocrine disorders, medications, sleep apnea, coarctation of the aorta |
| Risks | Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle |
| Diagnosis | Blood pressure measurement, urinalysis, blood tests, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Primary hypertension, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antihypertensive drugs, lifestyle changes, treatment of underlying cause |
| Medication | ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | Significant contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality |
Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension that is caused by an identifiable underlying secondary cause. It is much less common than primary hypertension, representing about 5-10% of all cases.
Causes[edit]
Secondary hypertension can be caused by a variety of conditions, including kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and certain medications.
Kidney disease[edit]
Kidney disease is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. This is because the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the balance of salt and water in the body.
Endocrine disorders[edit]
Certain endocrine disorders can also cause secondary hypertension. These include Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and pheochromocytoma.
Medications[edit]
Certain medications can also cause secondary hypertension. These include birth control pills, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of secondary hypertension involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and specialized tests for certain conditions.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of secondary hypertension involves treating the underlying cause. This may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.