4. Hypertension – The Silent Challenge of CAH
Hypertension in CAH often flies under the radar, going unnoticed until it’s picked up during a routine check. This elevation in blood pressure can be a stealthy adversary, one that creeps up without the fanfare of symptoms. Yet, its presence is a marker of CAH’s broad-reaching impact, notably when hormone levels are unbalanced.
What causes this uptick in blood pressure? It boils down to an overproduction of androgens and mineralocorticoids, hormones that can drive blood pressure up. It’s a complex interplay where too much hormone production puts undue stress on the cardiovascular system, setting the stage for hypertension.
For those with CAH, monitoring blood pressure becomes a critical part of their health routine. Detecting hypertension early opens the door to interventions that can mitigate risks down the line. From lifestyle modifications to medication adjustments, each step is aimed at keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.
Managing hypertension is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. For individuals with CAH, it means a lifelong commitment to health monitoring and partnership with their care team. It’s about making sure that hypertension doesn’t lead to more significant health issues, keeping the silent challenge in check. (4)
