Arterial Hypertension in Young Women

What secondary causes should be investigated?

Abstract

Introduction: Unlike essential hypertension, which is more prevalent in the older population, a wide spectrum of etiologies must be considered when treating young women. Timely recognition is crucial, as many of these conditions are potentially curable or require specific treatment to prevent long-term complications. Objectives: To explore the medical literature for information on the main causes of secondary arterial hypertension in young women, excluding hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: Narrative review based on a bibliographic search conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Google Scholar, including articles published between 2008 and 2024. Results: Evidence was found documenting the main causes of secondary arterial hypertension in young women: nephropathies, endocrinopathies, sleep apnea, structural heart diseases, vasculopathies, autoimmune diseases, and drug induced hypertension. Conclusions: Early identification and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent cardiovascular complications and improve quality of life in women. Nephropathies, endocrinopathies, and drug-related hypertension are the most considered causes in the clinical assessment of these patients.