overactivity of the adrenal gland medical term

In addition to high blood pressure, it can present with weight gain in the trunk, muscle weakness, and purple stretch marks. In addition to high blood pressure, pheochromocytomas can present with episodes of headache, sweating, and a racing heartbeat.Ĭushing’s syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome is another rare cause of secondary hypertension caused when the adrenal glands make too much of the hormone cortisol. Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of secondary hypertension caused when the body makes too much of hormones similar to adrenaline. In addition to high blood pressure, it can cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Primary aldosteronism: Primary aldosteronism is due to the adrenal glands making too much of the hormone aldosterone. Below are some conditions that can affect your blood pressure: Insulin is made in the pancreas.Īs mentioned above, secondary hypertension is due to a medical condition.

Pancreas: High blood pressure in adults with obesity may be partially due to elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance.

Parathyroid glands: If the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone, it can cause high blood pressure.

If the pituitary gland sends too much signal to the adrenal glands or thyroid gland, it can result in high blood pressure.

Pituitary gland: Sometimes problems with the adrenal glands and thyroid gland are due to problems with the pituitary gland.

Thyroid gland: High blood pressure can be caused by an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid gland.

Adrenal glands: If the adrenal glands make too much aldosterone, cortisol, or hormones similar to adrenaline, it can cause high blood pressure.The endocrine system is a series of glands that secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions, including regulating blood pressure. In addition, a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as oral contraceptives, nonsteroidal inflammatory agents, steroids, and decongestants, can cause secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is due to medical conditions such as kidney disease and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as endocrine disorders such as primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and pheochromocytoma. Primary hypertension is more common among African Americans and among older adults. Its cause is unknown, but genetics and factors such as excessive salt intake, obesity, lack of exercise, and the use of tobacco and alcohol play a role. There are two types of hypertension-primary (essential) and secondary. Nearly half of the adults in the United States (about 116 million people) have high blood pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading cause of heart and blood vessel ( cardiovascular) disease.

Overactivity of the adrenal gland medical term