Seeking Guidance on Secondary Hypertension from Unknown Causes
Hello everyone! I want to start by saying that I’m not very familiar with how to post on Reddit, so I hope I’m doing this correctly. As noted in the title, I’m a 21-year-old woman attending college, and I’ve been diagnosed with secondary hypertension linked to unexplained hyperaldosteronism. The troubling part is that the origin of my hyperaldosteronism remains a mystery to my healthcare providers.
To give some background, my health concerns began about two years ago during a routine dental cleaning when my hygienist measured my blood pressure and noted that my diastolic reading was in the 100s. I didn’t get the exact figures at that moment, but I found out later that my pressure was consistently elevated. What initially seemed like typical white coat syndrome turned out to be more serious, as my blood pressure readings were often at 150s/100s with a heart rate of around 130 bpm.
Following numerous doctor visits, tests, and various medications, the results revealed that while my aldosterone levels were elevated, my renin levels fell within the normal range, and other laboratory tests showed normal findings. CT scans showed no abnormalities in the adrenal glands, and ultrasonography indicated no renal artery stenosis. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with idiopathic secondary hyperaldosteronism, and unfortunately, no further clarity has emerged since my diagnosis.
Currently, I’m taking 25 mg of Spironolactone, 25 mg of Metoprolol, and using an oral contraceptive, which is not thought to influence my blood pressure. Although my blood pressure readings have improved slightly, a recent check showed 140/94 while at rest. The biggest issue I’m facing is that the lack of actionable options from doctors is leaving me frustrated—endocrinologists won’t intervene due to it being a secondary issue connected to my normal renin levels, while cardiologists are hesitant because my hypertension is driven by endocrine factors, and there are no other logical tests to perform.
I am in dire need of solutions. My OB-GYN has expressed concern over my elevated blood pressure potentially increasing the risk of clotting from my birth control, and discontinuing it is not feasible for me at this time. It's crucial that I get a grasp on this situation before experiencing any severe health event. Additionally, I’ve learned that my aldosterone levels can’t be reassessed until I stop taking Spironolactone for six weeks, which is daunting since I often feel unwell even if I miss a single dose. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on additional conditions I should explore for testing, steps to take during this medical journey, or any general advice you might have from a healthcare perspective.
If you need more details about my medical background, please let me know—I am truly in search of answers (this has been quite challenging for me)!
Thank you all for your help and support!
HypertensionCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology