Differential Diagnosis for Hypertension in a 52-year-old Female with DM and Knee Osteoarthritis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- C. NSAIDs induced HTN: The patient has been using NSAIDs to relieve her pain, and NSAIDs are known to cause hypertension due to their effect on renal function and fluid balance, making this the most likely cause of her hypertension.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- A. Essential HTN: This is a common cause of hypertension in the general population, and given the patient's age and presence of other risk factors like diabetes, essential hypertension is a plausible diagnosis.
- D. Primary hyperaldosteronism: The patient's low borderline potassium level could suggest primary hyperaldosteronism, a condition characterized by excessive aldosterone production leading to hypertension and hypokalemia.
- Do Not Miss
- B. Pheochromocytoma: Although less likely, pheochromocytoma is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential for severe, life-threatening hypertension. However, it typically presents with episodic hypertension, headaches, sweating, and tachycardia, which are not mentioned in the scenario.
- Rare diagnoses
- Other rare causes of hypertension, such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or renal artery stenosis, could be considered but are less likely given the information provided. These conditions often have additional symptoms or signs that are not described in the patient's presentation.