What Causes Chronic Hypertension?
There are many causes of hypertension in pregnancy. Essential hypertension (hypertension without a known cause) accounts for 90% of cases. Other underlying causes include kidney disease, Cushing syndrome (high levels of cortisol which lead to hypertension), thyroid disease, and connective-tissue disorders. If you are diagnosed with chronic hypertension during the first half of pregnancy, your doctor reviews your family history and performs physical examinations to determine the underlying cause of your disorder. This HealthMap discusses the diagnosis and management of chronic hypertension during pregnancy, covering both mild cases with few complications and more severe cases exacerbated by pregnancy. For more information on the diagnosis and management of chronic hypertension during pregnancy, go to Evaluation by Physician.
