Table 13 Differential diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension

Inappropriate BP measurement

White coat hypertension

Calcified vessel in the elderly (pseudohypertension)

Wrong cuff use, using too small cuff

Lifestyle factors

Severe weight gain,

Heavy or binge drinking,

Sleep apnea syndrome

Volume overload

Excess salt intake,

Volume expansion by renal diseases,

Insufficient use of diuretics

Medication

Poor compliance,

Insufficient dose, or ineffective combination

Drug interaction/adverse effects

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Oral pills,

Corticosteroid,

Herbal licorice

Secondary hypertension