Hypertension is typically a late manifestation of Cushing’s syndrome. Hypertension occurs in 75% to 80% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome.
Cushing’s disease is the name given to a type of Cushing’s syndrome caused by hypersecretion adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production in the pituitary gland.
This hypersecretion results from an adrenal tumor or overstimulation by the anterior pituitary.
Glucocorticoid (GC) excess either endogenous or exogenous, has profound clinical and metabolic affects. Obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and depression are common.
Other typical signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain with central obesity; fatal rounding and plethora; dorsocervical fat pads; easy bruising; fine ‘cigarette paper’ skin; poor wound healing; purple striae; proximal muscle weakness; emotional and cognitive changes; fungal infection and altered reproduction function.
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death and disease in Cushing’s syndrome patients and an elevated risk remains even after successful treatment of other symptoms.
Hyperextension is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors associated with Cushing’s syndrome.
Cushing’s syndrome causes hypertension
