AHA High Blood Pressure Toolkit-Pharmacists

9 SECONDARY HYPERTENSION Determining whether hypertension has a secondary cause is also a component of the appropriate diagnosis of elevated BP or hypertension. Above are the most common causes of secondary hypertension with prevalence indicated in parentheses. Note: Some uncommon, but important causes of secondary hypertension include pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, Cushing’s syndrome, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, aortic coarctation and others. See more information on secondary hypertension, clinical implications, prevalence, physical examination and screening tests. Algorithm for Screening Secondary Hypertension Screening for Secondary Hypertension Obstructive sleep apnea (25-50%) Renovascular disease (5-34%) Primary aldosteronism (8-20%) Drugs or alcohol* (2-4%) Renal parenchymal disease (1-2%) Common Causes of Secondary Hypertension Secondary causes of hypertension are responsible for high BP in approximately 10% of patients with hypertension. *such as sodium containing antacids, caffeine, nicotine, NSAIDS, oral contraceptives and others