We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Causes of Secondary Hypertension?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,468
References
Share

The causes of secondary hypertension include obesity, alcohol abuse, use of certain medications, adrenal tumors, polycystic kidney disease, and pregnancy. Other causes include sleep apnea, thyroid problems, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, and hyperparathyroidism. Other factors such as age, gender, race and heredity can be among the causes of secondary hypertension. Level of education and income are also among the causes of this disease. Treating the causes of secondary hypertension usually helps to lower blood pressure back to normal levels.

Secondary hypertension typically occurs when blood pressure becomes too high due to another medical condition. It's different from primary hypertension, which causes high blood pressure for reasons that probably have to do with heredity. Some of the causes of secondary hypertension can't be helped. These include race, gender, and age. Men are usually more like to develop this condition, as are people of African descent, and older people. Research has shown people with low incomes and education levels are more vulnerable to secondary hypertension than other people.

Some of the more common causes of secondary hypertension include polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disease that can cause cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts normally impair the normal functioning of the kidneys and can cause blood pressure to rise. Elevated blood pressure can also occur as a complication of diabetes, since that disease, too, can damage the kidneys. Renovascular hypertension, a condition that can narrow the arteries serving the kidneys, can also cause an unhealthy rise in blood pressure.

Obesity is often a serious risk factor for secondary hypertension, since excess body weight typically requires the body to manufacture more blood. Sleep apnea can also contribute to the condition, since it can deprive the body of necessary oxygen. Pregnancy can be among the causes of secondary hypertension, as can the use of birth control and a range of medications and dietary supplements.

Problems with the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid, and thyroid glands can also cause secondary hypertension. Cushing's syndrome, a condition typically characterized by tumors on the pituitary gland, can cause secondary hyperthyroidism. Hyperparathryoidism, usually diagnosed when the parathyroid glands are overactive, is among the main causes of secondary hypertension. Dysfunction of the thyroid glands can also be responsible for elevated blood pressure, as can adrenal tumors.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-causes-of-secondary-hypertension.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.