Several hormones are known to participate in blood pressure homeostasis. In particular, the renin-angiotensin system influences blood volume and vascular tone, while the adrenergic system affects vascular tone, cardiac contraction, and heart rate. Thus, it is no surprise that changes in hormonal status can have a strong influence on blood pressure. In fact, most forms of secondary hypertension are determined by an alteration in secretion of specific hormones. As examples, we could mention renovascular hypertension, where the elevation in blood pressure is mainly due to increases in the activity of the renin-angiotensin system with both systemic and renal effects; adrenal hypertension, where systemic vasoconstriction is mediated by a potentiation of sympathoadrenal and renin-angiotensin activity; pheochromocytoma, where an excess of circulating catecholamines can cause serious cardiovascular complications; and several others, like hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and acromegaly.
