Secondary Hypertension: Identifying and Managing Underlying Causes

In this evolving world, people are constantly stressed about everything else in their lives. This constant stress results in declining health conditions. One of the major contributors to stress is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Did you know that hypertension is also known as a silent killer? It’s because it does not show any obvious symptoms.

With the evolving lifestyle, many people are being diagnosed with high blood pressure, often without even realizing it. While primary hypertension, which is more common, can be linked to lifestyle factors and genetics, there’s another type of high blood pressure that is gaining more attention, secondary hypertension. In this blog, we will discuss what secondary hypertension is,  how to identify it, how to manage its underlying causes, and why it’s crucial to understand it.

Understanding Secondary Hypertension 

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by an underlying health issue or condition. Unlike primary hypertension, which doesn’t have a specific identifiable cause, making it difficult to diagnose. Hypertension can be measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure higher than 120/80 mm Hg is deemed to be hypertension.

Some of the common causes of this hypertension include kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain medications, sleep apnea, and even medical issues like pulmonary arterial hypertension.

How can you identify secondary hypertension?

The physician will evaluate your medical history and blood pressure readings to facilitate accurate identification as secondary hypertension results from an underlying medical condition or disease. However, if your doctor suspects rare medical conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension, he may suggest some specialised tests.

Here are a few clues that might that might help you in the identification:

• Severe or sudden onset of high blood pressure: If your blood pressure has spiked quickly or is significantly higher than the normal pressure levels, it may indicate an underlying issue.
• Presence of specific symptoms: Symptoms associated with conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension may include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, and dizziness, which could indicate the presence of secondary hypertension. 
• Family history or other risk factors: If you have a family history of kidney disease or endocrine disorders, there may be a higher risk of developing secondary hypertension.
• Resistant hypertension: If your blood pressure levels remain high after taking medications. This situation primarily serves as a significant indicator that there may be an underlying condition contributing to hypertension.
• Diagnosis tests: Blood tests, urine tests, electrocardiograms, and kidney ultrasounds are some of the diagnostic tests that can help diagnose the condition.

How can you manage the causes of hypertension?

Once you have identified the cause of hypertension, managing the disease effectively is crucial. Accurate treatment can help you prevent long-term complications and improve the overall quality of your life. Here’s how you can do that.

• Assessing the medical condition: The first step is identifying the underlying medical condition causing hypertension. For instance, if you have kidney disease, you may need dialysis in addition to medications, and if you have pulmonary arterial hypertension, you may be prescribed medications to improve blood flow and lower pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and more. Some of the common options include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers.
• Lifestyle changes: [Positive lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your stress effectively, can help you manage your blood pressure levels, improving your overall heart health. 
• Monitor blood pressure regularly: If you've been diagnosed with hypertension, you must monitor your blood pressure levels. This can also be done at home with a blood pressure machine. However, you must visit the clinic frequently to monitor your progress. 
• Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgical intervention might be necessary. For instance, if you have certain tumors, you may require surgery to remove the tumor, which can help alleviate the blood pressure levels.

What are the complications associated with hypertension?

Underlying health conditions cause secondary hypertension; however, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. Let’s take a look at them.

• Heart failure: This is one of the common causes of hypertension. High blood pressure can make your heart work harder, eventually causing the heart muscle to weaken and leading to heart failure.
• Stroke: A sudden increase in blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, leading to a stroke.
• Kidney damage: Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Vision loss: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness, so managing your blood pressure levels is essential. 
• Accelerated hypertension ICD 10: If blood pressure rises rapidly and significantly, it can lead to hypertensive urgency which can require immediate medical intervention to prevent any life-threatening complications.

Wrapping Up

Secondary hypertension is a serious but manageable condition that requires attention to both blood pressure and the underlying cause. Whether due to kidney disease, a hormonal imbalance, or pulmonary arterial hypertension, identifying and treating the root cause of hypertension is crucial in preventing further complications. A positive lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help you maintain your blood pressure levels.

If you’re looking for support in managing your health and wellness, we at Niva Bupa offer comprehensive health insurance plans that give you access to quality healthcare services and ensure the necessary coverage for your peace of mind.

People Also Ask

How to reduce hypertension?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and limiting alcohol are some of the ways that can help you reduce hypertension. 

What is an underlying identifiable cause of secondary hypertension?

The underlying causes include kidney disease, adrenal disease, thyroid problems, and more. 

How do you identify secondary hypertension?

It can be diagnosed with the help of electrocardiograms, blood tests, or kidney dialysis.