Cuc had no history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. For 4 days, she experienced a dull pain in her upper abdomen and went to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for a check-up. In addition to diagnosing gastritis, doctors also discovered her blood pressure was abnormally high, reaching 200/100 mmHg.

Doctor Do Duy Long from the Department of Internal Cardiology and Cardiovascular Center, explained that there are many causes of secondary hypertension such as kidney diseases (acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, renal artery stenosis), endocrine diseases (hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism), and medication use. Test results confirmed Cuc had primary hyperaldosteronism - a condition in which the adrenal cortex produces too much aldosterone. An abdominal CT scan revealed a small tumor in her adrenal gland (10x6 mm).

Aldosterone is a hormone that helps the body retain salt and water and excrete potassium. When this hormone is elevated, the body retains excessive salt and loses potassium, leading to high blood pressure and potentially low blood potassium. The most common cause is an aldosterone-secreting adrenal tumor. Cuc was fortunate to have discovered her high blood pressure incidentally during a digestive examination.

Doctor Tran Vu Minh Thu, Head of the Department of Internal Cardiology 2, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that without prompt treatment, high aldosterone levels can cause dangerous and frequent spikes in blood pressure, damaging heart tissue, causing scarring or enlargement of the heart muscle, and leading to heart failure and kidney failure.

Doctor Long checks Cuc's health before discharge. Photo: Ha Vu

Doctor Long checks Cuc's health before discharge. Photo: Ha Vu

Cuc was treated with blood pressure medication and potassium supplements to manage her blood potassium levels. After one day, her blood pressure stabilized to 120/80 mmHg, with a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and no chest pain. After three days of monitoring, she was discharged and scheduled for surgery to remove the adrenal tumor once her health was stable, to prevent recurrence.

According to the doctors, only about 5-10% of hypertension cases are due to secondary causes. The majority (90-95%) have primary hypertension. Identifying the cause is crucial because treating the root cause (for example, surgical removal of an adrenal tumor) can help patients control their blood pressure in the long term, and may even lead to a complete cure.

To prevent secondary hypertension, managing risk factors is essential. Patients need to effectively manage conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders. They should follow a heart-healthy diet by reducing salt intake, limiting the consumption of unhealthy fats and cholesterol, and including potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and green vegetables. Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain stable blood pressure. Stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help alleviate pressure and tension. Quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are also vital. Regular health checkups are crucial for early detection of any abnormalities.

Thu Ha

* The patient's name has been changed