Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and will do a physical exam. Tests of your blood, chest x-rays, and an electrocardiogram may be done. Your provider will want to measure your blood pressure on three different days when you are relaxed and not in a hurry and have not had alcohol for 72 hours. Your medical history is an important part of diagnosis. Your health care provider will ask about your personal and family history of high blood pressure and heart or kidney disease.
Secondary hypertension is treated by treating the underlying cause.
For example, if you have high blood pressure caused by Cushing's syndrome, treatment for Cushing's will lower your blood pressure. If the cause can be diagnosed and treated, your blood pressure should improve. You may be able to cut down or stop taking your medicines if your underlying condition is treated. Take medications as prescribed. Don't abruptly stop or decrease your medications without asking your health care provider.