Differentials

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Cardiovasculaire risicobepaling in de eerste lijnPublished by: Domus MedicaLast published: 2020Évaluation du risque cardiovasculaire en première lignePublished by: Domus MedicaLast published: 2010Globaal Cardiovasculair RisicobeheerPublished by: Domus MedicaLast published: 2007Gestion globale des risques cardiovasculairesPublished by: Domus MedicaLast published: 2007HypertensiePublished by: Domus Medica | SSMGLast published: 2009HypertensionPublished by: Domus Medica | SSMGLast published: 2009Évaluation du risque cardiovasculaire en première lignePublished by: Domus MedicaLast published: 2020

Drug-induced hypertension

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

There may be signs of acute intoxication, withdrawal, or cravings with cocaine/sympathomimetics use.

History of treatment with or ingestion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptive pills, sympathomimetics, herbal medications (e.g., black cohosh, capsicum, ma huang), licorice, immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), erythropoietin, higher-dose corticosteroids, chemotherapeutic anti-endothelial growth factor agents (bevacizumab), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib, sorafenib), mirabegron, or acetaminophen.[77][78]

INVESTIGATIONS

Drug toxicology screen may detect an illicit substance.

Hypokalemia if excessive licorice.

Chronic kidney disease

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

There may be pruritus, edema, or change in urine output.

INVESTIGATIONS

High serum creatinine and/or albuminuria.

Chronic anemia may be seen.

Renal ultrasound may identify sclerotic or polycystic kidneys.

Renal artery stenosis

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Typically younger patients with difficult-to-control hypertension or older patients at risk of atherosclerotic disease.

Renal artery bruits may be present.

INVESTIGATIONS

Renal duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiogram, or CT angiogram of renal arteries confirms diagnosis.

Aortic coarctation

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Differential blood pressure in upper and lower extremities. Absent femoral pulses.

INVESTIGATIONS

CT, angiogram, or MRI confirms diagnosis.

Obstructive sleep apnea

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Typically obese patients with daytime somnolence, snoring, or choking during sleep.

INVESTIGATIONS

Polysomnography shows nocturnal oxygen desaturation.

Hyperaldosteronism

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Few signs and symptoms other than mild metabolic alkalosis, relative hypernatremia, potassium depletion, and elevated fasting glucose.

INVESTIGATIONS

Unprovoked hypokalemia.

Plasma aldosterone high.

Plasma renin low.

Failure to suppress aldosterone with salt loading.

Hypothyroidism

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Dry skin, cold intolerance, weight gain, sluggishness, and goiter.

INVESTIGATIONS

Thyroid-stimulating hormone elevated in primary hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Heat intolerance, weight loss, hyperphagia, palpitations.

INVESTIGATIONS

Thyroid-stimulating hormone suppressed and levels of free thyroid hormones elevated.

Hyperparathyroidism

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

There are often no differentiating symptoms; however, renal colic, abdominal pain, or bone fracture may occur.

INVESTIGATIONS

Hypercalcemia, with elevated or inappropriately normal serum PTH.

Cushing syndrome

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Classic symptoms and signs include weight gain, moon face, dorsocervical fat pad, abdominal striae, and easy bruisability.

INVESTIGATIONS

Abnormal dexamethasone suppression, 24-hour urine free cortisol, and/or late-night salivary cortisol.

Pheochromocytoma

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Paroxysms of hypertension, flushing, and headache.

INVESTIGATIONS

24-hour urine screen shows elevated vanillylmandelic acid, metanephrines, and/or catecholamines.

Acromegaly

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Acral (hand/foot/jaw) enlargement.

INVESTIGATIONS

Elevated insulin-like growth factor-1. Elevated serum growth hormone level, not suppressed by glucose load.

Collagen vascular disease

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Signs/symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sclerodactyly, or history of vasculitis.

INVESTIGATIONS

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, abnormal complement levels, positive anti-DNA, antiribonucleoprotein, anti-Smith antibodies, positive rheumatoid factor.

Gestational hypertension

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Detected after 20 weeks' gestation in a previously normotensive patient.

INVESTIGATIONS

Urinary albumin excretion of 300 mg/L/24 hours if pre-eclampsia occurs.

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