Adrenal diseases
You have two adrenal glands -above your kidneys- secreting blood pressure-regulating hormones such as catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), aldosterone, and cortisol.
The following Adrenal diseases can cause hypertension:
- Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome): Over-secretion of aldosterone hormone (salt-retaining hormone) causes salt and water retention which causes hypertension.
- Pheochromocytoma: An adrenal tumour that secretes large amounts of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which causes vasoconstriction and hypertension.
- Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome): Over-secretion of cortisol, which increases blood pressure by promoting rapid weight gain, salt and water retention, and increased levels of stress.
