The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system – the system which synthesizes hormones and transports them around the body to the organs by either the blood or by special ducts. They are a pair of glands, shaped like stars, situated on top of the kidneys. They are responsible for the synthesis of hormones such as adrenaline and costisol, which they do in response to stress.

Adrenal hypertension can be caused by an excess of aldosterone secretion, another hormone synthesized in the adrenal glands. Excess aldosterone is usually caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland. Aldosterone causes the body to retain salts in the blood especially sodium, which increases blood pressure.

Overproduction of cortisol can also cause hypertension. A tumor in the pituitary gland in the brain causes the brain to prompt the adrenal glands to synthesize the hormone cortisol in excess. This causes Cushing’s Syndrome, which is mainly characterized by weight gain and deposits of fat on the collarbone and neck. One of the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome is high blood pressure. It can be treated, usually with steroid medications.

Another cause of hypertension is the production of excess adrenalin, also caused by a tumor in the adrenal glands. Adrenalin increases the blood flow as a result of agitation, so excess adrenaline can raise blood pressure.