The evaluation and treatment of endocrine forms of hypertension.

[cushing syndrome]

Endocrine hypertension is an important secondary form of hypertension , identified in between 5 % and 10 % of general hypertensive population . Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension , accounting for 1 %-10 % in uncomplicated hypertension and 7 %-20 % in resistant hypertension . Other less common causes of endocrine hypertension include Cushing syndrome , pheochromocytoma , thyroid disorders , and hyperparathyroidism . Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and the use of appropriate screening tests based on clinical presentation . Failure to make proper diagnosis may lead to catastrophic complications or irreversible hypertensive target organ damage . Accordingly , patients who are suspected to have endocrine hypertension should be referred to endocrinologists or hypertension specialists who are familiar with management of the specific endocrine disorders .