What is secondary high blood pressure and why should I be worried?
Other conditions can cause high blood pressure. As you read in Chapter One, this book focuses on primary high blood pressure. Secondary high blood pressure, however, is of great concern and needs to be explained. When something goes wrong in one part of your body, a ripple effect can create problems elsewhere, such as high blood pressure. In fact, 5 to 10 percent of high blood pressure cases are caused by an underlying condition, according to the American Heart Association. This type of high blood pressure, known as secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly. Various conditions can cause secondary high blood pressure. However, there’s good news: Treating these underlying conditions can control, or cure, your high blood pressure. This reduces the risk of serious complications that include heart disease, kidney failure and stroke.
