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Secondary hypertension: a practical diagnostic approach
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa 35401, USA.
American Family Physician
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Secondary hypertension, a rare but reversible cause of high blood pressure, requires physician suspicion. Early diagnosis through history, physical exam, and targeted studies can identify common causes like kidney disease or hormonal imbalances.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Secondary hypertension is an uncommon yet treatable cause of elevated blood pressure.
- Physicians should suspect secondary hypertension in patients with high blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic approach for secondary hypertension.
- To list common etiologies of secondary hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive patient history.
- Complete physical examination.
- Targeted screening and diagnostic studies based on clinical findings.
Main Results:
- Common causes include renal parenchymal disease, renovascular disease, coarctation of the aorta, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, thyroid dysfunction, and Cushing's syndrome.
Conclusions:
- A high index of suspicion is crucial for identifying potentially reversible secondary hypertension.
- Systematic evaluation including history, physical, and diagnostic tests is necessary.