Continuing the five-part series, we will now discuss the causes of secondary high blood pressure.

What causes secondary high blood pressure?

The onset of secondary high blood pressure is sudden, unexpected, and without warning.

Secondary high blood pressure, which affects about 5% of all types of secondary high blood pressure, is caused by disorders that relate to an organ or blood vessels like the adrenal gland, aortic artery, or the kidney. Specifically, possible causes of secondary high blood pressure are:

Aldosteronism.

Aldosterone, a hormone, is released in excessive amounts because normal cells are increased or the adrenal glands release it. The results are retention of salt and water and too much potassium is lost. Raised blood pressure level is the result.

Coarctation of the aorta.

This is a congenital defect in the body’s aorta (the main artery) and when it’s constricted, the aorta is forces the heart to pump harder. This gets the blood through the aorta and through the entire body. Secondary high blood pressure is the result. This will be discussed later in Part 4 of this series.

Cushing’s syndrome.

Cushing’s syndrome is the result of corticosteroid medications and factors that cause adrenal glands to produce too much of cortisol, a hormone. This results in elevated blood pressure.

Diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common kind of kidney failure and it’s almost always linked with secondary high blood pressure. Diabetic nephropathy is caused by diabetes damaging the kidneys and its filtering system.

Glomerular disease.

The kidneys filter sodium and waste with glomeruli (microscopic filters). When these filters become inflamed, they cannot function properly. The result is secondary high blood pressure.

Hydronephrosis.

Hydronephrosis happens when one or both kidneys are plugged. When this happens, the urine flow is blocked and blood pressure is elevated.

Hyperparathyroidism.

If the glands that regulate calcium and phosphorus secrete too much parathyroid hormone, calcium rises in the blood and this causes secondary high blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism.

When the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels are increased, and leads to secondary high blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormone, secondary high blood pressure is the result Hypothyroidism can result from inflammation, mediations, pituitary problems, radiation, and surgery.

Excessive Weight Gain

Weight gain increases the amount of the blood increases blood pressure levels. Added pressure on the artery walls is experienced. Weight gain also increases the heart rate and reduces the ability of the blood vessels to circulate blood throughout the body. All of these events are associated with secondary high blood pressure levels.

Phechromocytoma.

This is a rare tumor located in the adrenal glands. It’s dangerous because it increases the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones, and leads to consistent secondary high blood pressure or fluctuations in the blood pressure.

Polycystic kidney disease.

This is an inherited condition where cysts found in the kidneys interrupt proper function and elevate blood pressure levels.

Renovascular hypertension.

Narrowing of one or both renal arteries is the cause of renovascular hypertension. Irreversible kidney damage and secondary high blood pressure are the results.

Sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. These episodes deprive the sleeper of oxygen and could damage the blood vessel walls, which in turn, deprives the blood vessels of needed elasticity. These events cause secondary high blood pressure.

What’s so dangerous about secondary high blood pressure?

Secondary high blood pressure is linked to heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke.

Can secondary high blood pressure be cured?

While secondary high blood pressure can’t be cured, it can be managed and prevented with lifestyle changes. It’s important to control your weight, eat a healthy diet, and stop smoking. There are prescription drugs available, but you must weigh the side effects. There are all-natural supplements that can address your high blood pressure safely and effectively.

Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure/page4.htm http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HQ01345