What is the known cause of secondary hypertension?

Secondary hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that results from an underlying condition, rather than being primarily influenced by lifestyle factors or genetic predispositions. Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension because the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through fluid balance and electrolyte management. When they are diseased or damaged, this can lead to fluid retention, increased blood volume, and elevated blood pressure. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and even certain kidney tumors can trigger this secondary form of hypertension.

In contrast, while lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and obesity can contribute to primary hypertension (high blood pressure without an identifiable medical cause), they do not directly cause secondary hypertension. Instead, these factors are more associated with the development of hypertension that isn't attributable to another underlying health issue. This highlights the distinction between secondary hypertension, which stems from identifiable medical conditions, and primary hypertension, which typically arises from multifactorial influences including lifestyle and genetics.