Secondary hypertension is often caused by which condition?

Secondary hypertension is often caused by which condition?

• A. Endothelial dysfunction.
• B. Lifestyle factors only.
• C. Kidney disease.
• D. Primary mechanism unknown.

Answer: (C)

Secondary hypertension arises from an identifiable condition that directly pushes the blood pressure higher. Kidney disease is a frequent driver because the kidneys regulate long-term blood pressure through fluid balance and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When kidney function is impaired or renal perfusion is reduced, renin release rises, angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, and aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, all of which raise blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease and renal artery stenosis are common examples that lead to secondary hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction is a vascular issue that often accompanies high blood pressure but is not, on its own, a classic underlying cause of secondary hypertension. Lifestyle factors are major contributors to primary (essential) hypertension, not to a specific secondary cause. When the mechanism is unknown, that reflects essential hypertension rather than a secondary form.

Secondary hypertension arises from an identifiable condition that directly pushes the blood pressure higher. Kidney disease is a frequent driver because the kidneys regulate long-term blood pressure through fluid balance and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When kidney function is impaired or renal perfusion is reduced, renin release rises, angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, and aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, all of which raise blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease and renal artery stenosis are common examples that lead to secondary hypertension.

Endothelial dysfunction is a vascular issue that often accompanies high blood pressure but is not, on its own, a classic underlying cause of secondary hypertension. Lifestyle factors are major contributors to primary (essential) hypertension, not to a specific secondary cause. When the mechanism is unknown, that reflects essential hypertension rather than a secondary form.