What is a common cause of hypertension accompanied by hypokalemia?

The condition described, hypertension accompanied by hypokalemia, can often be associated with a renin-secreting adrenal tumor, commonly known as an aldosterone-producing adenoma or primary hyperaldosteronism. In this scenario, the adrenal tumor produces excessive amounts of aldosterone, which promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys while causing excessive potassium excretion. This leads to hypertension due to sodium and fluid retention, occurring alongside hypokalemia due to the loss of potassium.

In contrast, chronic kidney disease typically leads to hypertension but is not characteristically associated with hypokalemia; it often results in hyperkalemia due to impaired potassium excretion. Primary hypertension, or essential hypertension, generally does not correlate with specific electrolyte disturbances like hypokalemia. Cushing's syndrome can also lead to hypertension; however, it is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia or normal potassium levels rather than hypokalemia.

Thus, the connection between the renin-secreting adrenal tumor and the physiological effects of aldosterone provides a clear rationale for why this condition leads to both hypertension and hypokalemia.