Secondary hypertension is often due to which condition?

Secondary hypertension is often due to which condition?

• A. Essential hypertension
• B. Chronic renal disease
• C. Dehydration
• D. Anemia

Answer: (B)

Secondary hypertension arises when high blood pressure is driven by an underlying condition. Chronic renal disease is a classic cause because the kidneys regulate blood pressure through sodium and water balance and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Damaged kidneys often release more renin, triggering angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention. This increases blood volume and vascular resistance, pushing BP higher. Over time, this can create a cycle where hypertension further harms the kidneys. In contrast, essential hypertension has no identifiable cause. Dehydration lowers blood volume and tends to reduce BP rather than raise it. Anemia can affect hemodynamics but does not typically cause sustained secondary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension arises when high blood pressure is driven by an underlying condition. Chronic renal disease is a classic cause because the kidneys regulate blood pressure through sodium and water balance and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Damaged kidneys often release more renin, triggering angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention. This increases blood volume and vascular resistance, pushing BP higher. Over time, this can create a cycle where hypertension further harms the kidneys.

In contrast, essential hypertension has no identifiable cause. Dehydration lowers blood volume and tends to reduce BP rather than raise it. Anemia can affect hemodynamics but does not typically cause sustained secondary hypertension.