What is one common cause of secondary hypertension?

Pheochromocytoma is a common cause of secondary hypertension due to its role as an adrenal tumor that produces excess catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine). These hormones lead to increased heart rate and vascular resistance, resulting in elevated blood pressure. This condition is characterized by paroxysmal hypertension, often accompanied by symptoms like palpitations, sweating, and headaches. The diagnosis typically involves imaging studies and measurements of catecholamines in the plasma or urine, distinguishing it from primary hypertension, which lacks a specific identifiable cause.

In contrast, other conditions listed may contribute to hypertension but do not directly function as common causes of secondary hypertension in the same manner. Hypertension in pregnancy, while a significant clinical issue, typically presents as either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia in a specific population rather than a broad cause of secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension refers to a primary form of high blood pressure without a clear underlying cause. Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension, but it typically leads to essential hypertension rather than functioning as a direct cause of secondary hypertension like pheochromocytoma.