Blood, urine, and other tests are performed to determine if hypertension is primary, that is, without a cause, or secondary to diseases of organs, especially the kidney. These tests will also serve as a baseline for future com¬parison and as a means for detecting side effects of some antihypertensive drugs. The tests and the reasons for their use are listed below.
• A complete blood count determines the number of red and white blood cells in your blood. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin; heme is the iron in your blood, and this is combined with a protein called globin. The level of hemoglobin will indicate if you are low in blood (anemia). A very high hemoglobin (polycythemia) is a rare cause of hypertension.
• A test for electrolytes measures the amount of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. The potassium level in the blood is important as it may fall if you are taking a water pill (diuretic), which is commonly used to treat hypertension. The potassium level may increase with the use of ACE inhibitors.
• Either the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or serum creatinine must be obtained. Urea and creatinine are waste products excreted by the kidney into the urine. The level of these substances in the blood is fairly constant when the kidney is functioning normally, but rises in kidney dysfunction. The results of these tests will show if the kidney is the likely cause of your hypertension.

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