Secondary Hypertension

Secondary Hypertension

It is defined as the condition in which increase in hypertension due to any secondary disease which increases the blood pressure Many organs affected by hypertension including kidneys, arteries, heart, and endocrine systems. Pregnancy can also cause the secondary hypertension.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of secondary hypertension include:

• No family history of blood pressure
• Hypertension which is not responding to medicine
• Extremely high blood pressure
• Onset of blood pressure before 30 years of age
• No over weight

Causes

There are many diseases which is associated with secondary hypertension includes:

• Renovascular hypertension
• Kidneys disease like glomerular disease
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Atherosclerosis
• Fibromuscular dysplasia
• Pheochromocytoma
• Aldosteronism
• Cushing syndrome
• Thyroid diseases

Diagnosis

After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following tests to diagnose the underlying cause:

• Urinary analysis to check the presence of any substance
• Blood test to rule out the other causes of secondary hypertension
• ECG to check the electrical activity of heart
• Ultrasound of both kidneys to rule out the kidney disease involved in secondary hypertension.
• Blood pressure test

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of secondary hypertension. Treatment options to control the hypertension include:

• Diuretics like thiazide which help to eliminate excess salt and water from the body and reduce the blood pressure.
• Beta blocker to dilate the blood vessels
• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor
• Calcium channel blocker as a vasodilator to relax the blood vessels

Lifestyle and home remedies

Following tips will help to reduce the blood pressure:

• Limit salt intake
• Stay hydrated
• Eat healthy food
• Exercise daily
• Reduce weight if you are obese
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption