ABSTRACT
In the majority of hypertensive patients, no particular cause for elevated blood pressure (BP) is apparent. In such cases, hypertension is labeled as “primary” or “essential,” even when some pathophysiological mechanism (e.g., sympathetic overactivity, sodium sensitivity) seems to prevail in the pathogenesis of the disorder. The term “secondary hypertension” is reserved for those conditions in which a specific underlying disease is responsible for abnormal BP. Since secondary hypertension is potentially curable, it may be worthwhile to search for such diseases. Accordingly, the clinician needs to remain alert for certain signs and symptoms which could raise suspicion of secondary hypertension. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to find evidence of secondary hypertension in patients without any clinical clues.
