The role of the adrenal gland in hypertension.

The adrenal gland plays a unique role in the etiology of many forms of hypertension. Recognizable syndromes of adrenal gland disease in which hypertension is observed can be identified and localized to each of the functional and histologic divisions of the adrenal cortex and medulla. The diagnosis of the various syndromes of adrenal hormone excess is a critically important first step in the successful identification, localization, and treatment of adrenal gland disorders.