Find a Lawyer in Your State

Need Help?

Contact Us Today

Call Today: (800) 391-6415

I agree that submitting this form and the information contained within does not establish an attorney client relationship.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING -
Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough
2603 Oak Lawn, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75219
(800) 391-6415

Privacy protected. All information held in the strictest confidence.

Hypertension Causes

Roughly 50 million Americans are currently afflicted with high blood pressure, or hypertension, yet only 30 percent are aware of it. Consequently, this serious condition is often called a silent killer - one that goes undetected for many years. Left undetected and untreated, hypertension can lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, dementia, vision impairment and premature death.

In 90 to 95 percent of hypertension cases, there is no identifiable cause. This type of hypertension is called essential or primary hypertension. This type of hypertension often runs in families. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, exists when the increased blood pressure is the result of another underlying condition.

There are a variety of causes of secondary hypertension, including: kidney disease, such as polycystic kidneys, diabetic kidney disease, nephritis and scleroderma; adrenal disease, such as Cushing''s syndrome and aldosteronism; thyroid disease, such as overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid gland; abnormal blood vessels; sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing during sleep; and pre-eclampsia, a significant increase in blood pressure during the last three months of pregnancy. In order to treat secondary hypertension, treatment of the underlying cause is essential.

Medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs can also cause secondary hypertension. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can also raise blood pressure. Alcohol use has also been implicated in 5 to 10 percent of all cases of secondary hypertension.

Hypertension caused by medications usually comes on more quickly than primary hypertension, which often develops gradually over a number of years. During evaluation for hypertension, it is important to list all medications currently being taken.

Online Lawyer Source

Lawyers & Legal News Near You

Need Legal Help?

Start Here for a Free Case Review!

PPH

Find a Lawyer in Your State

Need Help?

Contact Us Today

Hypertension Causes

Other Areas of Law