Diagnostic Algorhythms in Selected Forms of Secondary Hypertension

Abstract

In this paper algorhythms are presented, which may be helpful in the diagnosis of selected secondary forms of arterial hypertension such as: renoparenchymal and renovascular hypertension, primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and hypercortisolism. Some sophisticated diagnostic procedures are reserved only to highly specialized clinical centres. In this paper the importance of pathophysiological thinking is stressed which should be based on a detailed anamnesis, physical examination of the patient and rational interpretation of laboratory findings.