According to a 2022 World Health Organisation report , one in four adults in India has hypertension, out of which only 12 per cent have their blood pressure under control. Several factors which contribute to the low rate of blood pressure control are lack of awareness, lifestyle, stress, lack of proper diagnosis or secondary hypertension. Let’s know more about secondary hypertension.

 

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Secondary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition. Unlike primary hypertension (essential hypertension), which is most common and often has no identifiable cause, secondary hypertension can be traced back to a specific trigger . This could include factors such as kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances, heart, endocrine system, certain medications, or other health conditions. Secondary hypertension can also occur during pregnancy. Treating the underlying cause is crucial in managing secondary hypertension effectively.

 

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Symptoms of Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension typically doesn't display distinct symptoms, even when blood pressure levels become dangerously high. Individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure may indicate secondary hypertension if they experience:

• High blood pressure that doesn't respond to blood pressure medications (resistant hypertension)
• Extremely elevated blood pressure:  systolic reading over 180 mm Hg or diastolic reading over 120 mm Hg.
• Failure of previously effective medications to control blood pressure.
• Sudden onset of high blood pressure before the age of 30 or after the age of 55
• No family history of high blood pressure
• No obesity

 

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Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Complications from Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure due to the effects of elevated blood sugar levels on blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the lining of arteries, making them less flexible and more susceptible to narrowing. This can lead to increased resistance in blood flow and consequently, higher blood pressure.

 

Polycystic Kidney Disease

This is a genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage and dysfunction. The growth of these cysts can interfere with normal kidney function and regulation of blood pressure. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid balance and producing hormones that influence blood vessel constriction and dilation.

 

Renovascular Hypertension

This type of hypertension is caused by narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the kidneys (renal arteries). Conditions like atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, triggering a hormonal response that raises blood pressure. The system, which regulates blood pressure, gets activated in such cases.

 

Thyroid Issues

Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can contribute to secondary hypertension. Thyroid hormones influence heart rate, cardiac output, and blood vessel function. In hyperthyroidism, excess thyroid hormone can lead to increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. In hypothyroidism, there can be a combination of factors that contribute to elevated blood pressure, including changes in blood vessel function and fluid retention.

 

Hyperparathyroidism

This is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium levels in the blood. Elevated levels of this hormone can disrupt the balance of minerals in the body, potentially leading to increased blood pressure. The exact mechanisms by which this occurs are complex, but it's thought to involve effects on blood vessel function and vascular calcification.

 

Obesity

Excess body weight, particularly when it is concentrated around the abdomen, can contribute to secondary hypertension. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn affects blood vessel function and blood pressure regulation. Additionally, obesity is associated with inflammation and changes in hormones that can impact blood pressure.

 

Pregnancy

Some pregnant women can develop high blood pressure, a condition known as gestational hypertension. This typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, if left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition called preeclampsia, which involves high blood pressure along with signs of damage to other organ systems.

 

Medication and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can lead to secondary hypertension. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, birth control pills, and corticosteroids can affect blood pressure. Additionally, some dietary supplements containing ingredients like ephedra or licorice root extract can raise blood pressure.

 

It's important to note that secondary hypertension can have multiple contributing factors, and sometimes more than one cause may be at play. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management and treatment.

 

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Complications from Secondary Hypertension

If left untreated secondary hypertension can lead to other health problems, such as:

Damage to Arteries

High blood pressure strains the walls of arteries over time, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This involves the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque on artery walls, which can narrow and harden the arteries. This process reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

 

Heart Failure

The heart has to work harder to pump blood against increased resistance in cases of high blood pressure. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.

 

Thickened and Narrowed Blood Vessels in the Kidney

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and regulating fluid balance. This damage can result in the vessels becoming thicker and narrower, impairing kidney function. Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.

 

Metabolic Syndrome

Secondary hypertension can be part of a cluster of conditions known as metabolic syndrome. This syndrome includes high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and abnormal cholesterol levels. Together, these factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems.

 

Memory Problems

Chronic high blood pressure may have an impact on cognitive function. Over time, it can lead to changes in blood vessel structure in the brain, potentially affecting memory, thinking, and overall cognitive abilities. Some research suggests a link between high blood pressure and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

 

Managing secondary hypertension and its potential complications involves addressing the underlying cause and implementing lifestyle changes and medical treatments as necessary. Regular monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise, and prescribed medications can all contribute to better blood pressure control and a reduced risk of associated complications.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have hypertension. Taking regular health checks can help detect hypertension at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.