What is a common cause of secondary hypertension?

Secondary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that results from an identifiable underlying condition. Among the various causes, renal disease is a well-recognized and common contributor. This association occurs because kidney dysfunction can disrupt the regulation of blood volume and systemic vascular resistance, leading to increased blood pressure. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease or renal artery stenosis are examples of how kidney involvement can elevate blood pressure through mechanisms like sodium retention or renin-angiotensin system activation.

While primary hyperaldosteronism, obesity, and genetic predisposition can also influence blood pressure, they are generally considered causes of primary hypertension rather than secondary. Primary hyperaldosteronism is a specific endocrine disorder that can lead to hypertension, but it is often categorized under primary hypertension because its pathophysiology primarily revolves around aldosterone excess rather than being secondary to another disease state. Obesity contributes to hypertension through complex metabolic pathways but is also more related to primary hypertension. Genetic predisposition influences an individual's risk for hypertension broadly but is not a direct cause of secondary hypertension. Thus, renal disease stands out as a definitive cause of secondary hypertension due to its direct impact on blood pressure regulation.