Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the correct code for hypertension due to stenosis of the renal artery?

1. Essential hypertension benign.

2. Essential hypertension malignant.

3. Hypertensive renal disease.

4. Secondary hypertension.

The correct answer is: Secondary hypertension.

The classification of hypertension is crucial in understanding its underlying causes, which can influence treatment and management. In this case, hypertension due to renal artery stenosis falls under the category of secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is a consequence of another condition, often related to specific organ or system dysfunction. Renal artery stenosis causes reduced blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to increased renin release, thus prompting the body to retain sodium and water, ultimately resulting in elevated blood pressure. Identifying hypertension as secondary is vital for clinicians as it requires a different approach compared to essential hypertension, which does not have a known secondary cause. Correctly coding this condition as secondary hypertension ensures that healthcare providers can track and address the root cause appropriately, leading to more targeted treatments and better patient outcomes.