Secondary Hypertension

Most cases of hypertension are due to "essential" or "primary" hypertension. This means that the bloood pressure is elevated and no underlying cause is identified or able to be treated. There are many elements in the development of hypertension that cannot be measured, tested, or possibly treated. These factors include genetics and the way different body processes work in the particular individual.

However, in some patients, there are determinable causes for the hypertension. Previously, it has been felt that approximately 5% of patients with hypertension had a remediable cause. Of the causes that are usually suspected and addressed, most can now be searched for with fairly simple tests.

Patients with certain characteristics to their hypertension are generally felt to need testing for one or several of these underlying conditions. If you have early or late onset hypertension (age of onset prior to 35 or so or over 60) then it is reasonable to look for an underlying cause. As well, patients who have resistant hypertension (requiring 3 or more blood pressure medications at high doses) merit an evaluation for secondary hypertension. If a patient has had stable blood pressure control and suddenly has difficulty with their blood pressure, then a secondary cause should be sought.

If you have characteristics which make you suspect you or someone you know may have secondary hypertension, please call us for further information. We are able to help you get the evaluation needed to search for these underlying conditions. If present, treatment of these problems can make your blood pressure more manageable. Many times the medication regimen can be reduced or discontinued. Many people do already have underlying damage from the hypertension and do require some therapy for high blood pressure but hopefully in lesser amounts.

If you have questions about hypertension or other medical problems, please feel free to contact us. We are open 8-5 Monday thru Thursday and 8-Noon on Fridays. Our telephone number is 662-690-5675. We are also on the web at http://www.gumtreemedicalclinic.com/.