Endocrine causes of hypertension: literature review and practical approach

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nephrology

Background:

• Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent global health issue, affecting over 30% of adults and acting as a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor.
• Secondary hypertension, accounting for 5-15% of cases, arises from identifiable causes, unlike primary hypertension.
• Secondary HTN is linked to increased morbidity and mortality compared to primary HTN, underscoring the importance of its identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the endocrine causes of secondary hypertension.
• To discuss potential treatments for endocrine-related secondary hypertension.
• To highlight the significance of identifying secondary HTN for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current medical literature on secondary hypertension.
• Focus on endocrine etiologies, including primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and Cushing syndrome.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for identified endocrine causes.

Main Results:

• Primary aldosteronism is the most common endocrine cause of secondary HTN.
• Pheochromocytoma and Cushing syndrome are significant endocrine causes with potentially severe complications.
• Early diagnosis of secondary HTN allows for targeted therapies, potentially leading to a cure and better blood pressure management.

Conclusions:

• Endocrine disorders represent a critical category of secondary hypertension causes.
• Screening for secondary HTN is recommended based on specific clinical signs and criteria.
• Effective management of secondary HTN, particularly endocrine causes, can significantly improve cardiovascular health and prognosis.