Hypertension - one of the most common diseases of the 21st century - may have an unusual cause. This happens when the reason for the pressure increases is the phaeochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla - the so-called pheochromocytoma. This disease is quite rare, because it occurs in 0.5-1.0 percent. people with hypertension. The essence of the disease is the reproduction of specific cells that produce in an uncontrolled manner two substances regulating the pressure - noradrenaline and adrenaline. The generous production of adrenaline causes, among others rapid increase in blood pressure.
CHORLOYABLE TUMOR
Where is the tumor located?
Usually the location of the pheochromocytoma are adrenal glands - small glands located above the kidneys that produce important hormones for life. (Corticosteroids, arising in the cortex - the outer part of the adrenal gland, and the adrenaline and norepinephrine already mentioned, produced by the core - the inner part of the gland.) Sometimes adrenaline and noradrenaline cells can locate in other parts of the body, especially the abdominal cavity.
What is the role of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the system?
Adrenaline and norepinephrine are involved not only in the regulation of blood pressure, but also in the regulation of cardiac function and the tone of the smooth muscles of the bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, acting on the organs via the alpha and beta receptors. These hormones also affect insulin secretion, lipid metabolism and metabolism. In addition, together with other hormones, e.g. cortisol, they are secreted under stress, mobilizing the body to defend.
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
The disease symptoms caused by the pheochromocytoma may be different. Symptoms are usually paroxysmal, which is associated with periodic burst of hormones by the tumor. During an attack, there is a surge in blood pressure accompanied by sweat, trembling fingers, strong heart beat, anxiety and pallor. Symptoms can be very severe or moderate.
How are the seizures of the disease going?
Seizures occur with varying frequency, and their duration is also variable. A characteristic feature are pressure drops when changing position from sitting or lying to standing. This symptom does not occur in patients with essential hypertension who do not take medications that lower the blood pressure.
Comments and final recommendations
Untreated hypertension is a serious disease. It can be the cause of many complications, leading to strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. After 40 years of age, the pressure should be checked at least once a year. And with the limit values found - systolic blood pressure 140, and diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg - more often, because high blood pressure does not always cause discomfort. Although pheochromocytoma tumors are rare, it is not surprising when the physician, when hears high blood pressure, directs the patient to examinations, including ultrasound of the kidneys. This test allows the detection of some causes of hypertension, including pheochromocytoma.
Rapid diagnosis and subsequent surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma usually leads to full recovery and prevents the occurrence of life-threatening complications.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Consultation by prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Danysz
