Abstract

Secondary hypertension: etiology and mechanism of disease

Author(s): Jeffrey H Freihage, Aravinda Nanjundappa and Robert S Dieter

Hypertension affl icts up to 65 million adults in the USA. Although most cases of hypertension are without an underlying cause (i.e., primary hypertension), secondary causes of hypertension should be investigated due to the potential for cure. This article discusses the common causes of secondary hypertension. Furthermore, the etiology, mechanism of blood pressure elevation and treatment are discussed. Through an understanding of the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of secondary hypertension, physicians can positively infl uence the associated long-term morbidity and mortality.