Do I Have Secondary Hypertension?

Do you have a diagnosis of high blood pressure?

Do you have high blood pressure that doesn't respond to blood pressure medications (resistant hypertension)?

Do you have very high blood pressure (at least 140/90 mm Hg to over 180/120 mm Hg)?

Do you have high blood pressure that no longer responds to medication that previously controlled your blood pressure?

Do you have a sudden-onset high blood pressure before age 30 or after age 55?

Do you have negative family history of high blood pressure (no one in your family has high blood pressure)?

Do you have kidney disease, adrenal disease, thyroid problems or obstructive sleep apnea?

Do you use any of these medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs (Motrin/Ibuprofen), steroids, pain relievers, birth control pills, diet pills, stimulants, decongestants or antidepressants?

If you are a woman, are you pregnant?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition. It is usually the result of kidney and heart diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. Secondary hypertension can also occur during pregnancy. It is characterized by very high blood pressure levels, which often have to be treated with multiple medications. Secondary hypertension is not the same as high blood pressure associated with genetics, obesity and bad life habits (primary hypertension). Secondary hypertension has a known cause.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension that is caused by some underlying condition. It is a rare disorder that occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of people with hypertension. It most often affects young adults under the age of 40. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and multiple blood pressure measurements over several months. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order blood and urine tests, an ultrasound of your kidneys and blood vessels, and an electrocardiogram. Also, secondary hypertension can often remain undiagnosed.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension that results from an identifiable condition or disease. It can be a consequence of endocrine diseases, kidney diseases, as well as side effects of certain medications. If left untreated secondary hypertension can worsen the underlying health problem you have. Treatment of secondary hypertension involves treating the underlying cause. Proper treatment can control the underlying disease and reduce high blood pressure or even bring it back to normal. Treatment may involve a combination of multiple medications and medical examinations at least once a month.