What is Secondary Hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure that develops due to a specific underlying cause. It constitutes approximately 5-10% of all hypertension cases. Unlike primary (essential) hypertension, it occurs as a result of a fundamental disease or condition and can be controlled by treating this cause.
Causes of Secondary Hypertension
The main causes of secondary hypertension include kidney diseases (chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis), endocrine diseases (primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid diseases), sleep apnea, coarctation of the aorta, pregnancy (preeclampsia), and medications (birth control pills, decongestants, steroids, NSAIDs).
Symptoms of Secondary Hypertension
Various symptoms may be seen depending on the underlying cause. Sudden onset and severe high blood pressure, headache, palpitations, sweating, and facial flushing are common symptoms. In addition, chest pain, shortness of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, and weakness may occur. Weight changes, excessive sweating, and moon face may be prominent in hypertension caused by endocrine disorders.
Diagnosis of Secondary Hypertension
Detailed history and physical examination are important in the diagnosis of secondary hypertension. Laboratory tests include complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, electrolyte levels, and thyroid tests. Hormonal evaluations such as 24-hour urine catecholamine and cortisol measurement, plasma aldosterone level are performed. Imaging methods such as renal ultrasound, CT angiography, MRI, and polysomnography when necessary are used.
Treatment of Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that develops as a result of another health problem. This condition occurs due to an underlying cause such as kidney diseases, hormonal disorders, sleep apnea, or vascular obstructions. The treatment of secondary hypertension is directed at this underlying cause, and the treatment process differs for each patient.
The most important step in the treatment of secondary hypertension is to treat the fundamental health problem that raises blood pressure. For example, if high blood pressure has developed due to kidney diseases, treatment methods to improve kidney function are applied. Similarly, if high blood pressure is due to overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), blood pressure can be reduced with thyroid treatment. It is difficult to control hypertension unless the underlying disease is treated.
After the underlying disease is treated, medication therapy may sometimes be necessary to keep secondary hypertension under control. The medications used in this case may vary according to the underlying condition. For example, drugs such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors may be preferred in the treatment of hypertension due to kidney disease. For high blood pressure resulting from hormonal disorders, treatment is applied to balance hormone levels.
Lifestyle changes are also important in the treatment of secondary hypertension. A healthy diet, limiting salt intake, regular exercise, weight control, and stress management are beneficial in the treatment of secondary hypertension. However, the main treatment should be aimed at resolving the underlying disease.
Regular follow-up is important in the treatment of secondary hypertension. During the treatment process, it is necessary to frequently measure blood pressure to monitor the course of the underlying disease and to evaluate whether hypertension is kept under control.
Ways to Prevent Secondary Hypertension
It is important to have regular health check-ups and regular monitoring and treatment of diseases that are risk factors. Healthy eating, regular exercise, salt restriction, and weight control should be maintained. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, and stress management should be practiced. Physician recommendations should be followed in medication use, and regular blood pressure monitoring should be performed.
Related Topics
Reference: Secondary Hypertension
