Secondary hypertension is hypertension that occurs as a result of a definable primary cause.
It can be caused:
By conditions that affect the kidneys, heart, arteries or endocrine system
By other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea
As a side effect of some medications
(drug induced hypertension)
By pregnancy
The following three pages give further information about some of the major risk factors and causes of secondary hypertension. (Note: the effects of pregnancy are not covered in this activity).