Secondary hypertension in patients referred to a specialized hypertension unit.
- III. interní klinika, Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice a 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Česká republika
Today, arterial hypertension is the most frequent cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of hypertension increases with age and it is found in more than 50% of individuals aged over years. Primary (essential) and secondary forms of hypertension can be distinguished. Essential hypertension is the most common form with a partly known pathogenesis but an unknown primary cause. Secondary hypertension is defined by a known potentially curable cause.
This study was undertaken to evaluate the real prevalence of secondary hypertension among hypertensives referred to our hypertension unit.
A total of 402 patients (230 women and 172 men) with hypertension were examined. A diagnosis of secondary hypertension was established in 31% of our patients. The remaining, 69% of subjects, had essential hypertension. Primary hyperaldosteronism was found in 61% patients with secondary hypertension, pheeochromocytoma in 16%, renovascular in 13%, hypercortisolism in 7%, and renal in 3% of subjects.
We have concluded that patients with moderate to severe hypertension are referred to a comprehensive examination due to the relatively high incidence of secondary hypertension, which can be potentially cured.
Keywords: Secondary hypertension; Prevalence; Hypertension unit
Published: February 1, 2005 Show citation