Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension, also known as secondary high blood pressure, is a sudden condition characterized by an elevation in blood pressure. While both primary hypertension and secondary hypertension have the same basic effects on your body, the causes of each are different. Primary hypertension is usually due to things like diet, weight and heredity; the specific causes of secondary hypertension are more diverse.

Kidneys

• One of the most common causes of secondary hypertension is a disorder in the kidneys. This can be due to a disruption or blockage, which affects the filtration of the kidneys. A decrease in kidney function is a sign waste found in the bloodstream isn't being effectively removed. That, in turn, can cause an increase in blood pressure. This condition is found in diabetes, glomerular disease, polycystic kidney disease and hydronephrosis.

Glandular

• Another common cause of secondary hypertension can be a glandular problem. A tumor, injury or inflammation can cause a gland to produce or release an abnormal amount of a hormone (adrenaline, aldosterone, parathormone or noradrenaline) into the body. These hormones can cause a spike or a sustained elevation in blood pressure. Glandular conditions known to prompt elevated blood pressure include: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, aldosteronism, hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma.

Genetics

• Just as primary hypertension can be caused by a genetic predisposition to the condition, so can secondary hypertension. A person can be born with a limited or constricted arterial system, causing the heart to work faster than normal, which raises blood pressure.

Medications

• Sometimes medications can elevate blood pressure and cause secondary hypertension. Cushing's syndrome (hump between the shoulders, puffy face, stretch marks) is caused by the body being exposed to the hormone cortisol over a long time. Taking an oral corticosteroid medication can lead to Cushing's syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of the results of Cushing's syndrome is a rise in blood pressure.

Pregnancy

• Pregnancy can cause secondary hypertension, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia or toxemia. It is more common in first-time mothers, extremely young mothers, older mothers and multiple births.

Sleep Disorders

• Sleep apnea can also cause secondary hypertension, according to the Mayo Clinic, thanks to a decrease in oxygen in the blood.