What are some causes of secondary hypertension?

Study for the NCCPA Recertification Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is caused by an underlying condition, unlike primary hypertension which is generally due to lifestyle and genetic factors. Choosing pseudotumor cerebri and sleep apnea as causes of secondary hypertension is accurate because both conditions can lead to increased blood pressure through different mechanisms.

Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, can result in increased intracranial pressure, which may affect the systemic vascular resistance and ultimately lead to hypertension. This condition is particularly noted in overweight individuals and can result in significant health impacts if left unmanaged.

Sleep apnea is another well-documented cause of secondary hypertension. It leads to disrupted sleep and results in intermittent hypoxia (reduced oxygen availability) which can activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing an increase in blood pressure. Patients with sleep apnea often have elevated blood pressure that can be resistant to standard antihypertensive therapies, making it crucial to address the underlying condition to manage hypertension effectively.

The other choices include factors that contribute predominantly to primary hypertension or lifestyle-related hypertension rather than being direct causes of secondary hypertension. Therefore, recognizing the specific conditions that lead to secondary hypertension is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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