Tests used to diagnose secondary high blood pressure
The following table lists the various tests used to confirm secondary high blood pressure and clarify its causes. Your doctor may use one or more of these tests for each condition depending on your individual situation.
|
Secondary cause |
Reasons to suspect |
Test used to evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Narrowing of the aorta (the artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body) |
|
Imaging of the aorta by one of the following:
|
| Hardening or narrowing of the arteries in your kidneys (renal artery stenosis) |
|
A test that clearly shows the structure of your
renal arteries:
|
| Hormonal imbalances |
|
|
| Excess production of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates the salt and water balance in your kidneys |
|
|
| A tumor in your adrenal glands (located just above your kidneys) |
|
|
| High blood pressure caused by a new medication |
|
|
|
High blood pressure caused by alcohol, cocaine, or amphetamines |
|
|
Last Updated: April 10, 2009
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine & Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology & Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
