Which of the following is the most common cause of secondary hypertension?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most common cause of secondary hypertension?

Secondary hypertension happens when an identifiable condition drives the high blood pressure. The most common of these is chronic kidney disease. When the kidneys don’t filter properly, they don’t excrete sodium and water as well, leading to volume overload and higher pressure. At the same time, reduced kidney function triggers the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, causing further vasoconstriction and more sodium retention. This combination creates a cycle that sustains and worsens hypertension. Other causes listed can raise blood pressure, but they’re less common overall. Sleep apnea contributes to resistant hypertension through intermittent hypoxia and sympathetic activation, but it doesn’t occur as the leading cause. Pheochromocytoma is rare and causes episodic spikes. Hyperthyroidism can elevate pressures, yet it isn’t the primary driver in most cases of secondary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension happens when an identifiable condition drives the high blood pressure. The most common of these is chronic kidney disease. When the kidneys don’t filter properly, they don’t excrete sodium and water as well, leading to volume overload and higher pressure. At the same time, reduced kidney function triggers the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, causing further vasoconstriction and more sodium retention. This combination creates a cycle that sustains and worsens hypertension.

Other causes listed can raise blood pressure, but they’re less common overall. Sleep apnea contributes to resistant hypertension through intermittent hypoxia and sympathetic activation, but it doesn’t occur as the leading cause. Pheochromocytoma is rare and causes episodic spikes. Hyperthyroidism can elevate pressures, yet it isn’t the primary driver in most cases of secondary hypertension.

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