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Contents
  • Recognizing Secondary Hypertension
  • The Role of Kidneys in High Blood Pressure
  • Other Medical Conditions That Cause Hypertension

Could Your High Blood Pressure Be Something More? Discover the Hidden Causes!

Could Your High Blood Pressure Be Something More? Discover the Hidden Causes!

The Big Picture

High blood pressure might not always be just about lifestyle. Sometimes, it's a sign of another underlying condition. Let's explore when hypertension could be a symptom of something more serious.
Contents
  • Recognizing Secondary Hypertension
  • The Role of Kidneys in High Blood Pressure
  • Other Medical Conditions That Cause Hypertension

Recognizing Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is when high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition. It's a problem that resists standard treatments and might present with sudden changes in blood pressure. Clues include severe hypertension, especially in young people, or when high blood pressure suddenly becomes difficult to control.

The Role of Kidneys in High Blood Pressure

Our kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Conditions like renal artery stenosis can lead to secondary hypertension. This condition involves narrowing of the arteries that supply the kidneys, which can cause difficult-to-control blood pressure and may require specific treatments.
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another medical condition, often resistant to standard treatments and marked by sudden changes in blood pressure.

Other Medical Conditions That Cause Hypertension

Hypertension can also be caused by conditions such as sleep apnea, hormonal imbalances like primary aldosteronism, or even rare conditions like pheochromocytoma. Identifying these conditions is crucial as they often require specific treatments beyond standard blood pressure medications.

FAQs

What is secondary hypertension?

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another medical condition.

How can kidneys affect blood pressure?

Kidneys regulate blood pressure, and issues like renal artery stenosis can lead to secondary hypertension.

Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?

Yes, sleep apnea can lead to secondary hypertension.

Are there specific treatments for secondary hypertension?

Yes, treatments often target the underlying cause of the high blood pressure.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the root cause of your hypertension can lead to more effective treatments.
Next steps: Talk to Doctronic about whether your high blood pressure could be secondary hypertension.
Additional References
  1. Calhoun DA, Jones D, Textor S, et al. Resistant hypertension: diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. Circulation 2008; 117:e510.
  2. Textor SC, Lerman L. Renovascular hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. Am J Hypertens 2010; 23:1159.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.