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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Secondary hypertension (secondary high blood pressure) is high blood pressure that's caused by another medical condition. Secondary hypertension differs from the usual type of high blood pressure (essential hypertension), which is often referred to simply as high blood pressure. Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, has no clear cause and is thought to be linked to genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity.

Secondary hypertension can be caused by conditions that affect your kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system. Secondary hypertension can also occur during pregnancy.

Proper treatment of secondary hypertension can often control both the underlying condition and the high blood pressure, which reduces the risk of serious complications — including heart disease, kidney failure and stroke.

References
  1. Onusko E. Diagnosing secondary hypertension. American Family Physician. 2003;68;67.
  2. Sutters M. Systemic hypertension. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill Medical: 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3177080. Accessed July 9, 2010.
  3. Chobanian AV, et al. Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jnc7full.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2010.
  4. Domino FJ, et al. Overview of hypertension in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 23, 2010.
  5. Chiong JR, et al. Secondary hypertension: Current diagnosis and treatment. International Journal of Cardiology. 2008;124;6.
  6. Kiani J, et al. Medicinal importance of grapefruit juice and its interaction with various drugs. Nutrition Journal. 2007;6;33.
  7. Your guide to lowering your blood pressure with DASH. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2010.
  8. Sheps S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2010.
  9. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
DS01114 March 22, 2011

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