What should you know about pheochromocytoma hypertension?

Pheochromocytoma can release adrenal hormones that trigger episodes of high blood pressure and other symptoms. People may experience pounding headaches, sweating, a racing or forceful heartbeat, shakiness, pallor or a sense of panic. These symptoms have many possible causes, so they do not diagnose pheochromocytoma by themselves.

The tumour develops from hormone-producing cells, usually in or near an adrenal gland. Hormone release can narrow blood vessels and stimulate the heart, causing blood pressure to rise suddenly or remain high. Some people have few symptoms between episodes. Clinicians consider the pattern of attacks, family history, medicines and other causes of Hypertension, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or Obesity.

Arrange a medical assessment if episodes recur or blood pressure is difficult to control. Testing may include blood or urine hormone measurements, followed by imaging if results support the diagnosis. Do not stop blood-pressure medicine or use stimulant products without medical advice. If pheochromocytoma is confirmed, a specialist team plans treatment, often including medicine to steady blood pressure before considering removal of the tumour. Tell clinicians about every medicine and supplement you use.

Call emergency services for very severe headache with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, severe chest pain, major breathlessness or sudden vision loss. These can signal a serious blood-pressure emergency, heart problem or Stroke and need immediate assessment. Seek prompt advice for repeated pounding headaches with sweating and palpitations, even if symptoms settle between episodes.

Could my symptom pattern suggest hormone-related blood-pressure episodes? Which medicines, supplements or foods should I avoid before testing? Do I need specialist referral or screening for an inherited condition?