Secondary Hypertension: Diagnosis, Management, and Nursing Intervention-An Updated Review

Alreshidi, Jamal Muaidh; Alharbi, Abdullah Nughaymish; Aljohani, Abdulmajed Falah; Alshammari, Fahad Khalifah Mordhy; Alshammari, Ashawi Hamed Ashawi; Obaid, Alomrani Mufleh; Alotaibi, Adel Meter; Alharbi, Fares Saad; Al Thabbahi, Naif Ali Saeed; Alharbi, Nawaf Sahab Ghunim; Khabarani, Yahya Qasim; Albeladi, Abdulmajeed Hamad; Alosimi, Muhammed Lafi; Alzahrani, Yousef Dhaif Allah; Alharbi, Hareth Mohmed

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.348047.11051

Secondary Hypertension: Diagnosis, Management, and Nursing Intervention-An Updated Review

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Hail General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

² Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

³ King Khalid Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

⁴ ‏Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

⁵ Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

⁶ Prince Sultan Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/ejchem.2025.348047.11051

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, affects over 30% of adults worldwide. While essential hypertension accounts for most cases, secondary hypertension, caused by identifiable underlying conditions, is present in approximately 10% of individuals with hypertension. Recognizing secondary hypertension is crucial as it may lead to targeted therapies, potentially resolving hypertension. Key indicators for further investigation include resistant hypertension, sudden increases in BP, and hypertension in younger individuals without common risk factors. Various causes, such as renal parenchymal diseases, endocrine disorders, and drug-induced hypertension, contribute to the development of secondary hypertension.

Aim: This review aims to provide an updated overview of secondary hypertension, focusing on its diagnosis, management strategies, and nursing interventions.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies on secondary hypertension was conducted, examining its etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. Relevant clinical guidelines and research articles were analyzed to outline the nursing role in managing patients with secondary hypertension.

Results: Secondary hypertension's prevalence varies by age, with children under 12 and adults over 65 showing the highest rates. Renal parenchymal diseases and endocrine disorders, particularly primary aldosteronism, are the most common causes. The pathophysiology of secondary hypertension involves alterations in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance due to factors like volume expansion, hormone imbalances, and vascular resistance. Diagnostic tests such as serum creatinine, renal ultrasound, and hormonal assays are critical in identifying underlying causes.

Conclusion: Early identification of secondary hypertension can lead to more effective management, potentially resolving hypertension through targeted treatment. Nurses play a vital role in early detection, patient education, and adherence to treatment plans, helping reduce complications associated with secondary hypertension

Keywords