Background: Hypertension in most cases is primary, the exact etiology not known but there may be risk factors such as salt excess, obesity, lack of physical activity, genetic factors, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. However, there exists a subgroup of patients with hypertension with underlying etiology, referred to as secondary hypertension, and constitutes about 5-10% of patients with hypertension. The importance of diagnosis of the secondary causes of hypertension is to detect a potentially reversible etiology. Some of these causes are rare and unless looked for, can be easily missed.
Methods: A review of age-specific causes, approach, rare diseases of the aorta, endocrine, renal, iatrogenic, and substance abuse have been discussed. The importance of suspecting unusual causes in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, hypertension in the young, in the presence of target organ damage is emphasized. Case reports of rare cases have been included.
Conclusion: A systematic approach and knowledge of various rare causes will help suspect and lead to the correct diagnosis in many cases of secondary rare causes of hypertension. It gives a unique opportunity to cure hypertension in some cases and if the underlying cause is undiagnosed may result in morbidity and even prove fatal in some cases.
Key words: Secondary hypertension, renal artery stenosis, coarctation of aorta, pheochromocytoma, pseudopheochromocytoma, hyperaldosteronism
How to cite this article: Mahilmaran A. Rare and unusual causes of hypertension. Hypertens 2018;4(4): 232-236.
Source of support: Nil,
Conflict of interest: None
Received: 26-6-2018;
Accepted: 7-08-2018