Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, I Have Been Told By A GP That Persistent
Question: Hi,
I have been told by a GP that persistent high blood pressure is not usually investigated as to cause.
Why is this the case? Would identifying the cause not help to treat the condition with appropriate medication for example? Or is it often too difficult to find a cause?
Thanks,
Regards.
I have been told by a GP that persistent high blood pressure is not usually investigated as to cause.
Why is this the case? Would identifying the cause not help to treat the condition with appropriate medication for example? Or is it often too difficult to find a cause?
Thanks,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello
After going through the medical query raised by you I can understand your concern for your health and I would like to tell you that majority of the cases of young adult hypertension the underlying cause remain undiagnosed however this doesn’t mean that a young patient presenting with hypertension should not be evaluated for the possible cause.
The most important causes of hypertension and young adults includes
1. Send entry lifestyle
2. excess caffeine intake
3. smoking
4. Junk food
Medical causes which should be evaluated includes
1. Renal artery stenosis
2. Pheochromocytoma
3. Cushing syndrome
4. Primary aldosteronism
All these causes require certain investigation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hope to have been helpful.
Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap
Please refer to the detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello
After going through the medical query raised by you I can understand your concern for your health and I would like to tell you that majority of the cases of young adult hypertension the underlying cause remain undiagnosed however this doesn’t mean that a young patient presenting with hypertension should not be evaluated for the possible cause.
The most important causes of hypertension and young adults includes
1. Send entry lifestyle
2. excess caffeine intake
3. smoking
4. Junk food
Medical causes which should be evaluated includes
1. Renal artery stenosis
2. Pheochromocytoma
3. Cushing syndrome
4. Primary aldosteronism
All these causes require certain investigation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hope to have been helpful.
Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thankyou Dr. XXXXXXX
I understand that the possible medical causes should be evaluated.
There has been previously an indication to have a kidney ultrasound and that could possibly have been to see if there is any renal issues. What are the other possible tests to evaluate if the other three conditions listed are present?
Thankyou,
Regards.
I understand that the possible medical causes should be evaluated.
There has been previously an indication to have a kidney ultrasound and that could possibly have been to see if there is any renal issues. What are the other possible tests to evaluate if the other three conditions listed are present?
Thankyou,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Apologies for the delayed response.Here are the tests that needs to be done
1. Abdominal ultrasound with focus on renal arteries.
2. Abdominal CT or MRI, 24 hrs urinary sample for catecholamines and metanephrine.
3. Evalution of Serum and urine cortisol levels.
4. Serum aldosterone levels and 24 hrs urinary aldosterone levels.
Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Apologies for the delayed response.Here are the tests that needs to be done
1. Abdominal ultrasound with focus on renal arteries.
2. Abdominal CT or MRI, 24 hrs urinary sample for catecholamines and metanephrine.
3. Evalution of Serum and urine cortisol levels.
4. Serum aldosterone levels and 24 hrs urinary aldosterone levels.
Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX
Would it be possible to know roughly what proportion of high blood pressure are explained by the four medical causes listed? Is it a very minimal proportion?
Also for the blood pressure levels indicated, do they point to any one medical cause being more likely and indicating need for initial investigation?
Thankyou,
Regards.
Would it be possible to know roughly what proportion of high blood pressure are explained by the four medical causes listed? Is it a very minimal proportion?
Also for the blood pressure levels indicated, do they point to any one medical cause being more likely and indicating need for initial investigation?
Thankyou,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
No that’s not possible as all the causes can present with variable range.
Having a bp of 160/100mmHg at your age group needs evaluation and proper treatment which should be the combination of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatment.
Kind Regards
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
No that’s not possible as all the causes can present with variable range.
Having a bp of 160/100mmHg at your age group needs evaluation and proper treatment which should be the combination of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatment.
Kind Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
