Secondary high blood pressure
About 5% of people with high blood pressure have secondary high blood pressure, which is caused by another condition or by medicine.1 Secondary high blood pressure often can be cured.
Possible causes of secondary high blood pressure include:
- Certain types of kidney disease.
- Certain medicines, such as birth control pills, amphetamines, appetite suppressants, some antidepressants (venlafaxine/Effexor), steroids, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Pregnancy (preeclampsia).
- Narrowing of the kidney arteries.
- Diseases of the adrenal gland, such as Cushing's disease and pheochromocytoma.
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Drinking alcohol (more than three drinks a day).
Secondary high blood pressure may be suspected in people who:
- Are younger than age 35.
- Have sudden onset of high blood pressure, especially in a person older than age 50.
- Have no family history of high blood pressure.
- Have severe high blood pressure (160/100 or higher).
- Have high blood pressure that does not improve after trying several different treatments and medicines
- Have high blood pressure that suddenly increases after being well controlled using medicine.
- Have or develop kidney disease.
- Have symptoms of conditions that can cause high blood pressure.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition | |
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