The adrenal glands are small hormone-producing structures that sit on top of the kidneys. These glands secrete several hormones, including aldosterone, cortisol and adrenalin, all of which affect blood pressure. An excessive level of any of these three adrenal hormones often causes high blood pressure. Tumors, medications, and disorders elsewhere in the body can cause overproduction of adrenal hormones, leading to hypertension.
Primary Aldosteronism
The adrenal glands produce the hormone aldosterone, which acts on the kidneys causing retention of sodium or salt. Salt retention leads to increased water retention. The net effect is increased blood pressure. Primary aldosteronism is the overproduction of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, which typically causes hypertension. The Endocrine Society reports primary aldosteronism is the underlying cause of more than 10 percent of cases of high blood pressure. Benign and cancerous tumors of the adrenal glands and overgrowth of the adrenal tissues are possible causes of primary aldosteronism, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Secondary Aldosteronism
Secondary aldosteronism is the adrenal overproduction of aldosterone in response to another abnormality in the body. In "Aldosterone Excess," published electronically by Endotext, Drs. Erik Alexander and Robert Dluhy list congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and atherosclerosis of the renal arteries as possible causes of secondary aldosteronism. Effective treatment of the underlying disorder may partially or completely correct secondary aldosteronism and the associated hypertension.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is caused by prolonged, excessive levels of cortisol in the blood. Cushing's syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone has many effects on the body, several of which contribute to high blood pressure. In the 2009 academic review, "Overview of Endocrine Hypertension," published electronically by Endotext, Dr. Christian Koch and colleagues reported approximately 80 percent of people with Cushing's syndrome have high blood pressure. Other signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include elevated blood sugar, severe fatigue, muscle weakness, upper body obesity, backache, irritability, easy bruising and stretch marks, advises the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Notably, prolonged use of steroid medications such as prednisone, prednisolone and hydrocortisone can cause Cushing's syndrome.
Pheochromocytoma
A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal tumor that produces and secretes excess adrenalin, the "fight or flight" hormone. Blood pressure may be persistently elevated with this tumor, although it frequently vacillates widely throughout the day. The American Urological Association reports the classic symptoms of pheochromocytoma are profuse sweating, headache and heart palpitations. Other possible symptoms include unintentional weight loss, feelings of fright or anxiety, abdominal pain and paleness. The "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports more than 90 percent of pheochromocytomas are noncancerous.
References
- The Endocrine Society: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Patients with Primary Aldosteronism
- Mayo Clinic: Primary Aldosteronism Causes
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cushing's Syndrome
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Cushing's Syndrome
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Cushing's Syndrome
