About endocrine hypertension

  More than 95% of people with hypertension have primary hypertension, mostly related to genetics, diet or mental stress, although genetic factors are the main cause. At present, there is no good diagnosis and treatment for hypertension in the world, and emphasis is still placed on lifestyle and drug control.  In secondary hypertension, adrenal gland disease is a relatively rare factor and belongs to endocrine hypertension.  The adrenal glands are divided into two parts: cortical and medullary: the former hyperplasia can be seen in Cushing’s syndrome: 1. Medically induced cortisolism is seen in long-term treatment with large amounts of glucocorticoids; 2. Pituitary bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia: Bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia is caused by excessive secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland. The causes: (1) pituitary tumors. (1) Pituitary tumors, mostly pheochromocytomas, but also suspicious pheochromocytomas; (2) pituitary tumors without obvious tumors, but increased secretion of ACTH. This is generally thought to be due to excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone-releasing factor (CRF) by the hypothalamus. Only about 10% of cases can be clinically detected as having a tumor in the pituitary gland. In these cases, because pituitary secretion of ACTH has reached an abnormally high level, the increase of plasma cortisol is not enough to cause normal feedback inhibition.  Adrenocortical tumors: Most of them are benign adrenocortical adenomas, while a few are malignant adenocarcinomas. In addition to hypertension, these diseases also have fat metabolism disorders: the characteristic performance is centripetal obesity – full moon face, buffalo back, spherical abdomen, but thin extremities. Glucose metabolism disorders: characterized by elevated blood glucose and reduced glucose tolerance. Electrolyte disorders: large amounts of cortisol have a sodium retention and potassium drainage effect. Patients show mild edema or hypokalemia; neuropsychiatric disorders: patients are prone to varying degrees of agitation, irritability, insomnia, depression, delusions and other neuropsychiatric changes.  The latter hyperplasia can be seen in pheochromocytoma (specific search on Baidu): there are three types of manifestations 1, paroxysmal hypertensive episodes, accounting for 30%-50%. The attacks are accompanied by severe headache, palpitations, shortness of breath, precordial pain, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, increased blood sugar, and increased blood and urine catecholamines. The attack is often terminated with profuse sweating and extreme weakness.  2. Persistent hypertension without paroxysmal episodes, with symptoms such as headache, sweating, trembling and weakness.  3. On the basis of persistent hypertension, blood pressure fluctuates greatly.  In conclusion, adrenal gland disease is closely related to hypertension, but it must be clarified whether there is hyperplasia or occupancy of the adrenal glands. Specific relevant examinations such as adrenal ultrasound or even enhanced CT can be performed, and if abnormalities are found, relevant blood endocrine laboratory tests can be performed for diagnosis.