Does the adrenal gland cause high blood pressure? Why

Adrenal diseases may lead to elevated blood pressure, with common causes including adrenal tumors and abnormal hormone secretion. Treatment requires medication or surgical intervention based on the specific cause, while adjusting lifestyle.

1. Adrenal tumors

Adrenal tumors such as pheochromocytoma or aldosterone producing tumors secrete excessive hormones, leading to elevated blood pressure. Pheochromocytoma releases excessive catecholamines, causing paroxysmal hypertension; Aldosterone tumor increases hypertension by increasing sodium retention and blood volume. Diagnosis requires imaging examination and hormone level measurement. The treatment mainly involves surgical resection, and preoperative use of alpha blockers is required to control blood pressure.

2. Abnormal hormone secretion

Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, leading to symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and central obesity. Primary aldosteronism is caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone, leading to hypokalemia and hypertension. Diagnosis requires hormone level testing and functional testing. Treatment includes surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland or the use of drugs such as spironolactone to inhibit aldosterone action.

3. Secondary hypertension

Adrenal disease is one of the common causes of secondary hypertension. Long term hypertension can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Diagnosis should exclude other secondary causes of hypertension, such as renal artery stenosis, hyperthyroidism, etc. Treatment should target the primary cause and use antihypertensive drugs such as calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

4. Lifestyle adjustment

Regardless of whether medication or surgery is used for treatment, lifestyle adjustment is crucial. Suggest controlling sodium intake to no more than 5 grams per day; Increase foods rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, spinach, etc; Maintain regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, and other aerobic exercises, for at least 150 minutes per week; Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight. Adrenal diseases are closely related to hypertension, and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial. By medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments, blood pressure can be effectively controlled and complications can be prevented. Regular physical examinations and attention to adrenal function can help with early detection and intervention. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for preventing and controlling hypertension.