Secondary hypertension, or secondary high blood pressure, is different from primary hypertension. This form of high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition. Most commonly, secondary hypertension is caused by health conditions that impact the arteries, the kidneys, the endocrine system, or the heart. Secondary hypertension can also be caused by pregnancy.
Just as in primary hypertension, controlling the blood pressure is critical to ensure that there is no damage done to the organs and to help the person suffering from high blood pressure to feel better.
Secondary hypertension can be hard to diagnose. Just as in primary hypertension, some people experience mild enough symptoms that they are not aware that they are suffering from this condition. The most common symptoms of this condition are:
Since secondary hypertension is caused by other health concerns, pre-existing health conditions are the most common risk factors and causes for this condition.
This is not an exhaustive list of the potential causes or risk factors for secondary hypertension, and your doctor might find that another health condition that you have is the reason for your high blood pressure.
Diagnosis can require a few different tests. Your doctor will typically notice that your blood pressure is too high when doing a basic blood pressure test using a blood pressure cuff. If your blood pressure is too high using this simple test, they might also order the following tests:
Treatment for secondary hypertension will almost always require the use of medications to support healthy blood pressure. A combination of diuretics and beta blockers might be used to control your high blood pressure. Your doctor might have to adjust your medication over time as well to help avoid side effects or to keep up with the changing needs of your condition. For those who are suffering from secondary hypertension that is connected with pregnancy, treatment will likely only be needed throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
Prevention of secondary hypertension can be complex since it is typically caused by other health conditions. You can reduce the risk of secondary hypertension by lowering the sodium in your diet, by maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol intake, and staying active every day.