A number of toxins may be associated with hypertension. Usually these exert an effect following an acute exposure but some can cause a chronic hypertension.
Toxins associated with hypertension:
(1) heavy metal poisoning with
(1a) lead
(1b) cadmium
(1c) arsenic
(1d) thallium
(2) scorpion venom
(4) black widow spider venom
(5) organophosphate pesticide
(6) nicotine exposure associated with tobacco handling
(7) ergot alkaloids
Diagnosis of toxin-induced hypertension:
(1) increase in blood pressure following exposure to a toxin
(2) exclusion of other causes including acute stress
(3) correction of blood pressure on removal or disappearance of the toxin
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