Secondary hypertension

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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 | edit source]

Secondary hypertension can be caused by a variety of conditions, including kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and certain medications.

Kidney disease[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

Certain endocrine disorders can also cause secondary hypertension. These include Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and pheochromocytoma.

Medications[edit | edit source]

Certain medications can also cause secondary hypertension. These include birth control pills, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

The treatment of secondary hypertension involves treating the underlying cause. This may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD